The 2026 NHL Entry Draft kicks off today, featuring five Vancouver Giants skaters ranked by NHL Central Scouting. Defenseman Ryan Lin leads the group, finishing the season with 57 points in 53 games and is ranked 16th among North American skaters. Forward Mathis Preston follows, ranking 32nd after a strong finish despite an injury. Other notable Giants include Brett Olson, Joe Iginla, and Tobias Tom铆k, each of whom had significant contributions this season. The draft begins at 4 p.m. PT, with rounds 2-7 scheduled for Saturday.

By the Numbers
  • Ryan Lin: 57 points (14G-43A) in 53 games, ranked 16th among North American skaters.
  • Mathis Preston: 12 points (4G-8A) in 10 games after being traded; 32 points in 36 games with Spokane.
  • Brett Olson: 30 points (11G-19A) in 68 games, ranked 173rd amongst North American skaters.
State of Play
  • Round 1 of the 2026 NHL Draft starts at 4:00 p.m. PT today.
  • Rounds 2-7 will take place tomorrow starting at 8 a.m. PT.
  • The draft can be viewed on Sportsnet in Canada and ESPN in the U.S.
What's Next

As the draft unfolds, the performance of Giants players will be pivotal for their future careers in the NHL. Teams will look to bolster their rosters based on the drafted talents, particularly those ranked highly by scouts. The outcomes could reshape team dynamics for the upcoming season.

Bottom Line

The Vancouver Giants are well-represented in this year鈥檚 draft, emphasizing their strength as a developmental team. Keep an eye on Ryan Lin and Mathis Preston as potential impact prospects who could greatly influence their NHL teams.