The WHL continues to serve as one of the premier development pipelines for NHL talent, and the 2025-26 season is no exception. A new wave of prospects—combining high-end pace, offensive creativity, and dependable two-way play—is capturing the attention of scouts. Leading the pack are dynamic forward Mathis Preston, and high-impact defensemen Ryan Lin and Daxon Rudolph, each showcasing the tools and mentality required to thrive at the next level. Tune in as we track players’ progress throughout the season, covering monthly standouts, as well as NHL prospects looking to make a jump to their respective clubs. First Friday of every month, see you there!
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By: Owen Hilsinger
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2026 NHL Draft – Top WHL Prospects
Mathis Preston (Spokane Chiefs), RW/C
Height: 5-11
Weight: 176lbs
DOB: July 21st, 2008
Preston’s game is built around elite, multi-layered offensive tools tailored for today’s up-tempo style. His explosive acceleration allows him to create separation through the neutral zone and attack defenders with pace. Once in the offensive zone, he becomes a primary scoring threat thanks to one of the most dangerous shot releases in the WHL— capable of beating goaltenders from multiple angles and distances. Following a strong rookie campaign where he posted 45 points in 54 games, Preston has carried that momentum into 2025-26 with eight points through his first five games with Spokane. Beyond his raw production, Preston combines IQ and work ethic, showing a willingness to engage physically and drive the net despite his smaller frame. His blend of speed, shot quality, and competitiveness make him a legitimate top-round talent. If he continues to round out his 200-foot game, his stock will only rise heading into draft day.
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Ryan Lin (Vancouver Giants), RHD
Height: 5-11
Weight: 176lbs
DOB: Apr 18th, 2008
Lin continues to prove why he’s one of the most dynamic puck-movers in major junior hockey. Despite being undersized for a traditional NHL defenseman, the right-shot rearguard controls the tempo of play with elite skating and composure. Lin’s offensive instincts are elite—he routinely jumps into the rush, drives controlled exits, and quarterbacks the power play with confidence.
After posting 53 points in 60 games last season, Lin has started 2025-26 on a tear with 10 points in six games, pacing all Giants defensemen. His transition game is polished; he retrieves pucks cleanly, uses deception to evade pressure, and consistently turns defense into offense. Defensively, he’s grown more assertive, leveraging stick detail and footwork to close gaps and kill plays early. Lin projects as a modern two-way defenseman capable of driving results in all three zones — an offensive catalyst with improving defensive maturity.
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Daxon Rudolph (Prince Albert Raiders), RHD
Height: 6-2
Weight: 203lbs
DOB: March 6th, 2008
Rudolph continues to establish himself as one of the premier all-around defensemen in the CHL. The Prince Albert Raiders blueliner, selected first overall in the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft, brings the ideal mix of size, poise, and intelligence. His rookie campaign saw him produce 41 points in 64 games, and he’s followed it up with 6 points through 5 games to open the 2025-26 season.
Rudolph excels through efficiency and decision-making. In the defensive zone, he uses reach and body positioning to close off lanes, retrieve pucks cleanly, and initiate transition with composed outlets. His confidence with the puck and ability to break the forecheck make him an elite transition driver. Offensively, his heavy shot and vision make him a threat on the power play, while his skating stride allows him to cover ice effectively at both ends. With his physical maturity, mobility, and hockey sense, Rudolph profiles as a future top-pair NHL defenseman capable of anchoring a blue line for years.
HM: Carson Carels, Chase Harrington and Cooper Williams
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Stay up to date with monthly WHL updates coming to you this season here at Dobber Prospects!
If you want to read any other scouting reports I have throughout the year follow my substack @hillyshouse
Signing off,
Owen Hilsinger