The Vancouver Giants and the Spokane Chiefs have connected on a blockbuster trade. Spokane has traded forward Mathis Preston along with a conditional second-round pick in 2029 to Vancouver. In exchange, the Chiefs acquired defenceman Marek Howell, forward Tyus Sparks, and a first-round pick in the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft Preston is a projected top 15 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. The 17-year-old has 32 points in 36 games this season. Preston has already been named to the WHL's Prospects Game, which is scheduled to take place at the Giants' home arena. Howell is 19-year-old defender who has 10 points in 40 games. As for Sparks, he is an 18-year-old winger with 37 points in 40 games. The two teams next meet on February 6 when Spokane visits the Giants. Mathis Preston of the Spokane Chiefs (Photo Credit: Larry Brunt/Spokane Chiefs/WHL) [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/0e3fded3-fb15-453f-b6ee-0aea4391b138.jpeg] Mathis Preston of the Spokane Chiefs (Photo Credit: Larry Brunt/Spokane Chiefs/WHL) Make sure you bookmark THN's WHL site and add us to your favourites on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen] for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News [https://thehockeynews.com/whl]. Latest From THN’s Western Hockey League [https://thehockeynews.com/whl] Site: Vancouver Giants Pull Off Trio Of Trades, Acquire Iginla & Hartmann While Dealing Schmidt, Alain & Obobaifo [https://thehockeynews.com/whl/latest-news/vancouver-giants-pull-of-trio-of-trades-acquire-iginla-hartmann-while-dealing-schmidt-alain-obobaifo] WHL Standouts At The 2026 World Juniors: Semifinals [https://thehockeynews.com/whl/players/whl-standouts-at-the-2026-world-juniors-semifinals] WHL Announces Players Of The Month For December 2025 [https://thehockeynews.com/whl/players/whl-announces-players-of-the-month-for-december-2025] WHL Standouts At The 2026 World Juniors: January 2 [https://thehockeynews.com/whl/players/whl-standouts-at-the-2026-world-juniors-january-2] Red Deer Rebels Kick Off 2026 With Trio Of Trades [https://thehockeynews.com/whl/latest-news/red-deer-rebels-kick-off-2026-with-trio-of-trades] For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free [https://thehockeynews.store/products/print-subscription?_gl=1*11e3hua*_ga*MTk0NDM0Mzk0OS4xNzQ2MjQ0ODA2*_ga_ZET34ZFCGX*czE3NjYzMzYxOTQkbzkwOSRnMSR0MTc2NjMzNzA3NyRqNTYkbDAkaDA.]. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here [http://eepurl.com/i7OC4I]. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum. The Hockey News [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/f3ed24b7-682a-4c8e-9b67-b101b18b9c22.jpeg] The Hockey News
