Five players from the Vancouver Giants are highlighted in NHL Central Scouting鈥檚 final draft rankings for the 2026 NHL Draft. Defenceman Ryan Lin leads the group at 16th overall, making him a projected first-round pick, followed by Mathis Preston at 32nd. The rankings also feature Brett Olson, Tobias Tom铆k, and Joe Iginla who are rated 173rd, 193rd, and 200th respectively. The Giants expressed pride in the recognition of their players, and anticipate further visibility as they participate in the upcoming U18 Men's World Championship.

By the Numbers
  • Ryan Lin recorded 57 points (14G-43A) in 53 games, averaging 1.08 points-per-game, ranking 7th among WHL defencemen.
  • Mathis Preston notched 32 points (14G-18A) across 36 games for Spokane before joining the Giants, with 4 points in 10 games for Vancouver.
Yes, But

Despite strong rankings, the players must prove their consistency and performance in high-stakes situations, such as the upcoming U18 Championships, to solidify their draft positions.

State of Play
  • The final NHL draft rankings included a total of 69 WHL skaters and nine goaltenders, with 10 players marked as potential first-round picks from North America.
  • The Giants are focused on maximizing player visibility and development leading up to the June draft.
What's Next

As players participate in the U18 Men's World Championship, scouts will closely monitor their performances, which could significantly impact their draft stock ahead of the NHL Draft scheduled for June 26-27.

Bottom Line

The excitement around the Giants鈥� five ranked players highlights their potential to contribute at higher levels, but their immediate success in international play may define their future prospects in the NHL.