Could the Penguins add this defenseman to their prospect pool?
Although the Pittsburgh Penguins made the playoffs this year, they are still very much a team that is focused on the future. Because of this, they will be looking to hit with their first-round pick this year.
In his latest mock draft for The Athletic, Corey Pronman predicted that the Penguins would select defenseman Ryan Lin with the 22nd overall pick of the 2026 NHL Entry Draft.
Lin would have the potential to be an excellent pickup for the Penguins' prospect pool if he is still available when they are on the clock. The 5-foot-11 offensive defenseman has shown plenty of promise at the junior level and would immediately become one of Pittsburgh's most fascinating prospects if selected.
In 53 games during this season with the Vancouver Giants of the Western Hockey League (WHL), Lin recorded 14 goals, 43 assists, and 57 points. This is after he had five goals and 53 points in 60 games during this past season with the Giants. With numbers like these, it is clear that Lin has good offensive upside, and he could be a strong pickup for the Penguins because of it.
It will be interesting to see if Lin ends up being the Penguins' first-round pick this season. They could use another right-shot defenseman, and Lin is among the most notable as we inch closer to the draft.