Sportsvival is deepening its 2026 draft coverage as NHL teams start formalizing their boards; this dossier profiles Mathis Preston, a high‑IQ WHL center whose junior production and Canada age‑group performances project him as a Top‑10-15 pick.
Short verdict: A possession‑driving, two‑way center with top‑six upside—teams should monitor strength gains and international usage to judge true top‑line ceiling.
Key considerations: offseason strength program; role and minutes with the Spokane Chiefs; production in upcoming U18/World Junior‑age events.
Decision points for scouts: top‑six center upside vs. safe two‑way pivot; special‑teams usage; finishing consistency in traffic.
Mathis Preston, C, 5’11” / 178 lb
Birthdate: July 21, 2008. Birthplace: Penticton, British Columbia, Canada.
Current club: Spokane Chiefs (WHL). Draft eligibility: 2026.
Early Days
Preston developed in Penticton minor hockey and at the Okanagan Hockey Academy, where he posted elite prep scoring and earned MVP honors at the U15/U16 level, establishing himself as a high‑end junior prospect before joining the WHL.
Physical Profile
Height / Weight: 5’11” / 178 lb - a compact, strong‑skating center with a low center of gravity and room to add pro muscle.
Skating & Tools: quick edges, tight turns, and balance that let him protect the puck and navigate traffic.
Junior and WHL Path
Preston has been a driving offensive force for Spokane, producing at a high rate for his age and earning attention in consolidated draft rankings; scouting services list him among the top prospects for the 2026 class, reflecting both goal scoring and playmaking upside. Preston has 14 goals and 18 assists in 36 games for Spokane at the time of this profile.
On‑Ice Production & Impact
Two‑way profile: a center who drives possession, wins board battles, and reads plays quickly. Transition game: makes clean first passes to spring the rush and can finish chances off the cycle. Special teams: projects as a power‑play option and penalty‑killer given his IQ and defensive instincts.
International Resume
Preston has represented Canada at age‑group tournaments, contributing offensively and showing poise in short‑format events; his U16/U17 and Hlinka‑cycle appearances have reinforced his status as a top‑tier 2026 prospect.
Scouting Section
Positives
High hockey IQ and situational awareness; consistently drives possession.
Playmaking and finishing at junior level; strong compete on the walls.
Tournament experience with Canada’s age‑group teams, showing clutch play.
Negatives
Frame: needs added functional strength to handle pro minutes.
Separation: top‑end burst can improve to create more breakaways.
Pro Comparison:
Elias Lindholm- a versatile, two‑way pivot who can play center or wing, drive possession, and contribute at both ends; Preston projects similarly as a reliable, multi‑situation forward with upside to grow into a top‑six role.
Sportsvival View- Draft Projection & Fit
Projection: High‑end Top‑10-15 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. Fit: teams seeking a possession‑driving center who can play in all situations should prioritize him early.
Key considerations:
Offseason strength gains, Spokane usage, and performance in U18/World Junior‑age events will determine whether he becomes a bona fide top‑line center or a high‑end second‑line pivot.
(the Spokesman Review)