“Many wondered if Lin would choose the NCAA route this season – instead, he had a big season with the Vancouver Giants, where he registered more than 50 points for the second consecutive campaign. He’s now committed to the University of Denver, where he should immediately slip into a top-four spot and play a similar two-way role that Hobey Baker finalist Eric Pohlkamp possessed this year. 

While Lin is small, he’s definitely one of the most skilled defenders in this class. His decision-making is near the top, and he has the skating to burn guys. You put those together and it’s easy to understand why Lin has the puck so often. Teams seem to be softening up to smaller blueliners – they should be all-in on Lin.”

“Was injured for a month earlier this season, which gave him time to reflect on his game, and when he returned at the end of February he looked revitalized. Lin already has elite skill and, with more refinement, he can impact the game in all areas of the ice. 

Offensively, he can dazzle along the blue line, finding lanes to get shots through to the net. In neutral ice, he closes quickly on plays and causes turnovers. In his own end, quick retrievals and nifty stick work allow him to evade the forecheck and initiate the breakout. He’s another player who’s likely to be on the U18 roster.”

“Lin continues to prove why he’s one of the most dynamic puck-movers in major junior hockey. Despite being undersized for a traditional NHL defenseman, the right-shot rearguard controls the tempo of play with elite skating and composure. Lin’s offensive instincts are elite. He routinely jumps into the rush, drives controlled exits, and quarterbacks the power play with confidence.

After posting 53 points in 60 games last season, Lin has started 2025-26 on a tear with 10 points in six games, pacing all Giants defensemen. His transition game is polished; he retrieves pucks cleanly, uses deception to evade pressure, and consistently turns defense into offense. Defensively, he’s grown more assertive, leveraging stick detail and footwork to close gaps and kill plays early. Lin projects as a modern two-way defenseman capable of driving results in all three zones, an offensive catalyst with improving defensive maturity.”