2026 NHL Draft: Mathis Preston, Tynan Lawrence And Others Can Revive Draft Stock At World U-18s

Apr 14, 2026

Mathis Preston, LW, Vancouver (WHL)

Preston came into the season with plenty of praise because of his high-octane offensive game and transitional ability.

He has fallen down the board on many public lists because he struggled to put up elite production in WHL Spokane and suffered an injury after just a couple of games with Vancouver.

When you watch Preston play, his skill and instincts are still very much present. He is one of the best players in the draft class at just taking over a shift and driving good results in an instant.

There are some issues in his defensive game, and we can't ignore the lower-than-expected production early in the year, but Preston has a chance to show what he can do with quality teammates and a bit of health when he suits up for Canada.

The World Men's U-18 Championship is the last chance for NHL draft prospects to show their potential. These five Canadians will need to impress to raise their draft stock.

thehockeynews.com10 Canadian NHL Draft Prospects Can Revive Their Stock At World U-18sThe World Men's U-18 Championship is the last chance for NHL draft prospects to show their potential. These five Canadians will need to impress to raise their draft stock.

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