Lin Won’t Lie, ‘Feels Good’ To See Sharks Trade Up For Him

BUFFALO — The San Jose Sharks completed their first-round masterclass by trading up for defenseman Ryan Lin.

GM Mike Grier made a trade with the Philadelphia Flyers and moved from pick 27 up to 21, and quickly drafted the d-man. Grier told reporters that before the Sharks traded away the 20th pick, they had Lin targeted on their board.

“I had really good interviews with them. Really good talks with everyone in their organization, but we just never know,” Lin said. “I mean, it just takes one team to like you and pick you, so I’m glad it was them.”

The latest San Jose Sharks high-upside prospect pointed out that it was hard to hold back his emotions when he was picked. Partly because a lifelong dream came true, and partly because he realized a team moved assets away to select him.

“Feels good. I’m not gonna lie,” Lin said with a smile. “They see something in me, and that I see in myself as well. For them to trade up and get me was, yeah, it feels great. I want to prove them right now.”

Lin is a dynamic player who doesn’t let his size get in the way of his style. At 5-foot-11, Lin defends like he is 6-foot-6. He can create offense, scoring 57 points in 53 games with the Vancouver Giants. Lin will turn to the NCAA now and head to the reigning champions at the University of Denver.

“I just want to challenge myself. Going to Denver, I’m going to be challenged with older, stronger guys and better competition. I want to succeed there,” Lin said. “Denver was a spot for me, because the coaching staff. Their culture. You have a chance to win every year going there, and a bunch of good players are heading there with me as well.”

Lin, a native of Richmond, British Columbia, trains in Vancouver. This summer, Lin is skating with San Jose Sharks superstar Macklin Celebrini. Celebrini told Grier he was a fan of Lin after the Sharks made the selection.

“Mack texted us after the pick and said he skated with him,” Grier said. “He’s excited we picked him. He’s enjoyed skating with him so far.”

Lin will attend the Sharks development camp this week, where he’ll get his first taste of NHL coaching.