Sportsvival is scouting another 2026 NHL Draft forward with real offensive upside, and Mathis Preston is a name that belongs in the first-round conversation. Preston is not the biggest player in the class, but his skating, quick-strike skill and ability to create offense with pace make him one of the more interesting WHL forwards available. He has already produced in two WHL stops, first with the Spokane Chiefs and now with the Vancouver Giants, while showing the type of speed and attack mentality NHL teams usually value on draft night.
Mathis Preston
RW/F, Vancouver Giants, WHL
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 177 pounds
Shoots: Right
Birthdate: July 21, 2008
Hometown: Penticton, British Columbia
Background
Preston was born in Penticton, British Columbia and developed through the Okanagan Hockey Academy before becoming one of the top young WHL prospects in his age group. Spokane selected him third overall in the first round of the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft, and he quickly showed why he was taken that high. His official WHL profile lists him at 5’11”, 177 pounds, right shot, born July 21, 2008, and originally drafted by Spokane third overall in 2023.
Preston got a short WHL look in 2023-24 with Spokane and scored four goals in five games. In his first full WHL season in 2024-25, he posted 23 goals and 22 assists for 45 points in 54 regular-season games, then added 9 goals and 7 assists for 16 points in 20 playoff games as Spokane made a deep run.
The 2025-26 season brought a change of scenery. Preston started the year in Spokane, then was moved to the Vancouver Giants in January. His official WHL profile lists him with Vancouver and shows his 2025-26 regular season total at 46 games, 18 goals, 26 assists and 44 points.
Current Stats
2025-26 WHL Regular Season
46 games, 18 goals, 26 assists, 44 points, -9
Season split
Spokane Chiefs: 36 games, 14 goals, 18 assists, 32 points
Vancouver Giants: 10 games, 4 goals, 8 assists, 12 points
Preston’s production picked up after the trade to Vancouver, where he played at better than a point-per-game pace in his limited sample with the Giants.
Playing Style
Preston is a fast, skilled forward who can play with pace and pressure defenses off the rush. His best shifts usually come when he is attacking through the neutral zone, backing defenders up and forcing them to make quick decisions. He has enough speed to separate, enough puck skill to create in tight areas, and enough offensive sense to find soft spots around the net.
He is not just a straight-line player. Preston can change speeds, use quick cuts and make plays off the wall. When his feet are moving, he can be a difficult player to defend because he does not need a lot of space to become dangerous. He can beat defenders wide, pull pucks into shooting lanes and create chances for linemates with quick passes.
Preston also has a scorer’s mentality. He looks to attack the middle of the ice, and he has shown the ability to finish when he gets quality looks. The 23 goals as a WHL rookie and the strong playoff production in 2024-25 show that he has already produced in meaningful situations.
Pros
Preston brings high-end skating. His speed is one of the biggest reasons he projects well to the next level. He can push defenders back, create off the rush and make plays before coverage is fully set.
He has strong offensive instincts. Preston sees openings quickly, understands where to go without the puck and can make plays in motion.
His shot and finishing ability are real strengths. He has already shown he can score in the WHL, and his quick release gives him a chance to be a dangerous middle-six scoring winger if he continues to develop.
He has already handled a lot for his age. Preston produced as a younger WHL player, played in a long playoff run and handled a midseason move to Vancouver while still finishing with 44 points in 46 games.
Cons
Preston still needs to get stronger. At 5’11”, he does not have overwhelming size, so adding strength will be important as he moves toward the pro game.
His consistency will be watched closely. Like many skilled young forwards, there are games where his speed and skill pop, and other games where he can be quieter if he is not driving play.
He will need to keep improving his play away from the puck. NHL teams will want to see him become more detailed defensively, especially if he is going to be trusted in more than just offensive situations.
There is also a projection question with his role. Preston has clear offensive tools, but teams will have to decide whether they see him as a true top-six upside player or more of a fast, skilled middle-six forward.
NHL Comparison
NHL Comparison: Travis Konecny
This is not saying Preston will become Travis Konecny, but the comparison fits the style. Like Konecny, Preston is not a huge forward, but he plays with pace, skill and offensive confidence. He can attack off the rush, make plays quickly and bring scoring energy from the wing. Preston still has to round out his game and add strength, but the skating, right-shot skill and competitive offensive style give him a similar type of projection if everything clicks.
Draft Outlook
Preston looks like a strong first-round candidate for the 2026 NHL Draft. Elite Prospects lists him as eligible for the 2026 NHL Entry Draft and shows him inside the first-round range on several public draft boards, including a consolidated ranking at No. 23 and NHL Central Scouting listing him No. 32 among North American skaters.
Sportsvival sees Preston as one of the more intriguing WHL forwards in this class. He has the speed NHL teams want, the offensive tools to create, and enough production to back up the eye test. The biggest questions will be strength, consistency and how complete his game becomes. Still, forwards who can skate, score and create offense at his pace are hard to find.
Sportsvival Draft Projection: Late First Round to Early Second Round