Armed with a lethal shot and elite speed, Mathis Preston boasts an impressive skillset.
The WHL is expected to play a significant role in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. Leading up to draft day, THN's WHL team will be providing profiles on some of the top WHL talent expected to hear their names called in Buffalo at the end of June. Today's profile focuses on Vancouver Giants forward Mathis Preston.
Mathis Preston
Team: Spokane Chiefs / Vancouver Giants
Position: Forward
NHL Central Scouting: 32nd among NA Skaters
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 178 lbs
Mathis Preston is regarded as one of the most dynamic and fastest players available in the 2026 NHL Draft. The 17-year-old began the 2025-26 season as a key offensive driver for the Spokane Chiefs before being acquired by the Vancouver Giants in a blockbuster mid-season trade.
During his time with the Chiefs, Preston tallied 14 goals and 18 assists in 36 games. His play slowed down in Vancouver as a result of injury, but he racked up 12 points in 10 games.
Listed as an 'A' skater by NHL Central Scouting, Preston has consistently produced offense, highlighted by his 23 goals and 45 points in 54 games during his rookie WHL campaign, along with an impressive 16 points in 20 playoff games to help the Chiefs reach the WHL finals.
He helped lead Canada White to a gold medal at the 2024 U-17 World Challenge, where he paced the tournament with six goals and earned all-star honours. He followed that up with a bronze medal at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and was selected to represent Team CHL at the elite 2025 CHL USA Prospects Challenge.
What makes Preston such an electrifying prospect is his pure, unadulterated offensive potential and lethal, NHL-ready shot. He is a dynamic threat from anywhere in the offensive zone, capable of curling from the corners or beating defenders one-on-one before firing the puck past the goaltender.
Make sure you bookmark THN's WHL site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.
Latest From THN's WHL Site:
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.
