I just can't quit on Mathis Preston.

Despite his production being good but not great and an injury-filled second half of the season, the intrigue of his pace-pushing offensive game gives me the kind of joy that you only get from a few players.

Preston plays with speed and fluidity that your favorite NHLer has. He's far from a perfect player, needing to grow defensively in his own zone in particular, but he plays with a doggedness that makes him a handful when his opponents are trying to break the puck out or escape their own end. 

Preston can reassert himself as a top-end draft prospect at the U-18s after seeing his stock fall throughout the year. He came into the year as one of the most intriguing players because of his skill and high-octane style of play.

He won't be everyone's cup of tea, but if a team unlocks the potential in Preston's game, he could easily be a top-five prospect in this class.

Drop a comment and share your perspective.