The Vancouver Giants have a potential superstar in their midst, and his name is Ryan Lin. The 17-year-old defenceman from Richmond is not only leading all WHL blueliners in scoring but is also drawing lofty comparisons to NHL royalty, including Los Angeles Kings stalwart Drew Doughty.
A Different Kind of Comparison
While many observers quickly link Lin's offensive production and smooth skating style to Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes, Giants coach Parker Burgess sees a different parallel. Burgess believes Lin's impact is even more profound in his own zone.
"He's like a Drew Doughty," Burgess stated emphatically. "He actually impacts the game even more defensively than offensively. And how many 17-year-old kids who are 'offensive defencemen' are also one of the best defenders?"
Burgess highlighted Lin's underrated defensive capabilities, pointing to his exceptional skating that allows him to close gaps quickly, his precise stick details, and a surprising willingness to engage physically despite his 6-foot, 175-pound frame.
Draft Stock Soaring
Lin's performance this season has firmly placed him in the conversation for an early selection in the 2026 NHL Draft. As of Thursday morning, he led all WHL defencemen with 28 points (5 goals, 23 assists) in just 24 games.
His draft ranking reflects this dominance. Elite Prospects' consolidated ranking places him at No. 6 overall, with individual analysts slotting him even higher. Cam Robinson of Elite Prospects has him at No. 4, while Sportsnet's Sam Cosentino pegs him at No. 10. TSN's Craig Button is slightly more conservative, ranking Lin at No. 14.
Lin recently showcased his skills on a national stage, representing Team CHL at the CHL USA Prospects Challenge in Calgary. Although his team ultimately lost the series in a super-overtime period, these best-versus-best events often cause significant movement in draft projections.
Historical Context and Future Outlook
The Giants' organization has a history of developing high-end talent. The earliest a Vancouver Giants player has ever been selected in the NHL Draft is No. 4 overall, a mark set by Evander Kane in 2009 and matched by Bowen Byram in 2019. Ryan Lin is on a trajectory that could see him challenge, or even surpass, that franchise record.
His rookie season was equally impressive. Lin became just the second defenceman age 16 or younger to hit the 50-point plateau in a WHL season since Scott Niedermayer accomplished the feat with the Kamloops Blazers in 1989-90. He finished the 2024-25 campaign with 5 goals and 53 points in 60 games.
Lin's immediate focus returns to the Giants' schedule. After missing a road game to participate in the Prospects Challenge, he and the Giants (9-14-1-1) are set to visit the Penticton Vees (11-7-3-2) on Friday. The weekend culminates in a highly anticipated matchup on Saturday at the Langley Events Centre against Landon DuPont and the powerhouse Everett Silvertips (19-2-2-1).
As the draft approaches next summer, all eyes will be on this remarkable young defenceman whose two-way game is earning him comparisons to one of the NHL's most complete players of the modern era.
