The Columbus Blue Jackets will pick 14th in the upcoming NHL Draft for the second consecutive year. Draft speculation includes potential targets, notably Ryan Lin.
The Columbus Blue Jackets found out on Tuesday where they would land in the upcoming NHL Draft, and to no one's surprise, they didn't win the lottery. For the second straight year, they will pick #14, and for the second straight year, they might actually get lucky.
Welcome to draft speculation season, where we will talk about all the potential draft targets for the CBJ. Could someone fall to them at #14, or will they reach for a player who is projected to be lower? Who know, but it's fun to speculate.
So, here we go.
Target: Ryan Lin
Height/Weight: 5'11'' - 178 lbs.
Current Team: Vancouver Giants (WHL) - Committed to play at the Univ. of Denver for 26-27.
Position: Right Shot Defense
2025-26 Stats: 14g-43a-57 pts in 53 games.
International Stats: 25-26 Hlinka Gretzky Cup -5 points in 5 games. 25-26 World Junior Championships - 6 points in 5 games.
THN Ranking: 15th - Kennedy, 25th - Ferrari
NHL Central Scouting: 16th overall in North America - 5th overall Defenseman in N.A.
What Scouts Have Seen
Ryan Lin is a potential draft pick being considered by the Columbus Blue Jackets as they prepare for the NHL Draft.
Ryan Lin is a forward, making him a valuable target for teams looking to strengthen their offensive lineup.
The Columbus Blue Jackets will have the 14th overall pick in the upcoming NHL Draft.
While the Blue Jackets did not win the lottery, there is speculation that they could still find a valuable player at the 14th pick.

Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler signs new three-year deal until 2029.
Lexie Hull envisions a future where women's basketball leagues merge.
Miami Dolphins boast the youngest roster in the NFL at 25.18 years old.
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
Lin is noted for not playing small, frequently engaging in physical battles, and using his shoulder effectively to win possession.
What Scouts Are Saying
Luke Sweeney - DobberProspects - "Stylistically, Lin is everything you want out of a defender. He’s mature and poised on both sides of the puck while also showing the necessary skill to push the envelope when need be. He gaps up early in the rush, stays with his checks, and is physically engaged. The only question for Lin, as a smallish defenceman with average footspeed, is what heights he’ll be able to reach."
SportsNet - "Lin is a mid-size transitional defender who quarterbacks the power play. He’s a play driver and fantastic skater. His ability to read the play and engage defensively is evolving."
The big question is whether or not GM Don Waddell will trade this pick or keep it. Being in the middle of the first round won't have many teams calling his phone, but he might be able to do something this year. Last year's draft was a bit weak after the first couple of picks, but this year might be different, as several players could fall that night, intrigue more teams to want to take a shot at that #14 pick.
The CBJ did seem to get lucky with defenseman Jackson Smith, who just finished his freshman season at Penn State in historical fashion. Can they get lucky again this year?
Next Up For Columbus: The NHL Draft is on June 26 and 27 in Buffalo, where the CBJ will own pick #14.
Stay updated with the most interesting Blue Jackets stories, analysis, breaking news, and more!
Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News and never miss a story.
Let us know what you think below.
For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.