RYAN LIN SCOUTING REPORT | Is He the Smartest Defenceman in the 2026 NHL Draft?

While not as flashy as the top tier of defencemen in the 2026 NHL Draft, Ryan Lin's high degree of intelligence, mobility, and defensive physicality could make him a slam-dunk pick in the teens. He's more of a facilitator than a creator and we'd love to see his pass selection and vision in the breakout improve in the coming years, but there's a real foundation for a Ryan Spurgeon-esque impact someday. Despite his stature, Lin's defensive impact and physicality are clearly among the most refined in the class. WOuld you like your team to swing on him? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.