“Pure excitement”: Ryan Lin embraces first Sharks Development Camp
On Tuesday, 21st overall draft pick Ryan Lin arrived at development camp with one of the bigger endorsements of any member of the Sharks' A++ draft class.
Trading up six spots, the San Jose Sharks made it clear Lin was a player they weren't willing to risk losing. The move cost the Sharks picks No. 27, No. 62, and No. 120, which the Philadelphia Flyers received.
After several stressful and overwhelming days, Lin described his first experience at Sharks development camp as “pure excitement.”
Lin's first steps with Team Teal come after years of evolving growth at the junior level.
Path to the Draft
At 180-pounds, the right-shot defenseman's junior career has seen a steady progression, marked by consistency in his production throughout every level of competition.
In 2021-22, Lin played in the Canadian Sport School Hockey League (CSSHL). First gaining attention with Delta Hockey Academy, he played alongside another high-end prospect, Chase Harrington. Harrington was later selected 36th overall by the Calgary Flames in the same 2026 NHL Draft class.
During Lin's second U15 season, he contributed 17 goals, 24 assists, and 14 penalty infraction minutes. Lin formed a strong part of the Delta lineup, helping the team earn the CSSHL U15 Championship. Lin continued his progression with Delta through the U17 and U18 levels, earning selection for the league's First All-Star Team at the U18 level.
In 2023, Lin's development brought him to the Vancouver Giants, who drafted him 6th overall with the Western Hockey League (WHL). From 2024-25, Lin made the transition to the WHL, where his contributions were immediate. In 60 games played, Lin logged 48 assists, five goals, and finished with a +11 plus-minus.
The whopping 48 assists landed him as just the second WHL defenseman aged 16 or younger to reach 50 points. This milestone helped earn him a selection for the Canadian Hockey League's All-Rookie Team as well as a finalist spot for WHL Rookie of the Year from the Western Conference.
Lin continued moving forward, and his performance in 2025-26 saw him increase his goal production with 14 goals and 43 assists in 53 games. He was named to the WHL West Second All-Star Team.
Born in Richmond, British Columbia, Lin represented Canada through multiple international levels. At the Youth Olympic Games, Lin played alongside fellow Sharks draftee Keaton Verhoeff. Representing Canada White at the World U17 Hockey Challenge, Lin helped the team capture gold, recording two points in five games.
At the 2026 U18 competition, Lin earned recognition as one of Canada's Top 3 Players. At the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, he contributed five points in five games, where Canada came away with bronze.
Final Takeaways
Lin has demonstrated consistency across his junior career, and his mobility and puck management are markers that make him a notable two-way blueliner. Across every level, Lin's high assist count indicate a player who is reliable when it comes to driving possession, boxing his opponents out, and finishing plays.
San Jose Barracuda Coach John McCarthy emphasized that development camp is less about the immediate outcomes and more about what the players can absorb.
McCarthy told media, "The guys that come in, they can process things in real time, they can apply it on the ice. It’s what’s led to their success so far and will continue to.”
For Lin, that learning system will continue to guide his play in his next steps with the organization.
