Today we take a look at the Anaheim Ducks WHL prospect pool.
Welcome to this edition of 2026 WHL Prospect Pools. Throughout the 2026 off-season, we will be taking a look at current or recently graduated WHLers who have either been drafted or signed by NHL clubs. Today's organization is the Anaheim Ducks.
During the 2026 NHL Draft, Anaheim selected Vancouver Giants forward Mathis Preston 50th overall and Seattle Thunderbirds forward Noah Kosick with the 192nd pick. They join a growing core of WHL talent that includes 2025 draftees Roger McQueen (10th overall), who is now with Providence College and Brady Turko (200th overall) of the Brandon Wheat Kings, alongside 2024 selection Tarin Smith (79th overall) from the Everett Silvertips.
Preston brings an elite, NHL-ready shot to the Ducks' prospect pool. The dynamic winger logged 18 goals and 26 assists for 44 points in 46 games last season, splitting time between the Spokane Chiefs and Vancouver Giants.
Kosick is a pure playmaker with excellent vision. The 6'0", 160-pound center combined for an impressive 54 points (16 goals, 38 assists) in 69 games last year, finishing the season strong after a mid-year move to the Seattle Thunderbirds.
Turko put together a highly successful campaign, registering 36 points in 66 games. As one of the youngest players selected in his draft class in 2025, Turko possesses plenty of runway for physical development and is a prime breakout candidate for the Wheat Kings in 2026-27.
Finally, Smith has steadily developed into one of the premier defensemen in the WHL since being drafted 79th overall in 2024. The 20-year-old blueliner racked up 71 points in 65 regular-season games before tallying two points in four playoff games before being injured.
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