Mathis Preston

August 2026 – Arguably the best all-around skater in the class, he combines that with one of the best shots to become a speed demon who can release shots in motion, surprising goalies and defenses alike.

The consistency with which his passes find a teammate is not elite, but if Preston can tone down the volume for a higher success rate, he’ll be lethal. Currently, his style of play is quite “junior-esque”, a style that leverages his superior skating, something that won’t work consistently against NHL defensemen.

Preston will need to add more delay, east-west movement and manipulation to his game that can better incorporate his teammates and open space. He was one of the better transition players in junior, so the confidence to move pucks is present. It’s now about transforming that confidence into habits that will give him success even in the pros. Markus R.

October 2025 – 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 in which he posted 45 points in 54 games, Preston has carried that momentum into the 2025-26 season with eight points through his first five games with Spokane. Beyond his raw production, Preston combines intelligence and work ethic, demonstrating a willingness to engage physically and drive to the net despite his smaller frame. His blend of speed, shot quality, and competitiveness makes 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. Owen Hilsinger

Preliminary Rankings-A dynamic scoring forward with high end speed, Mathis Preston is poised for a breakout draft year. Capable of playing across the forward line, Preston’s skating enables him to create separation and find space to unleash his deadly shot. Last season, Preston played a key role in Spokane’s run to the WHL Finals while putting up a little under a point per game through the regular season and playoffs. He then followed that up with 7pts in 5 games at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. With more minutes and an expanded role this season, Preston is ready for lift-off.-Collin Wilcox

August 2025 – Preston enters the 2026 Draft cycle coming off a productive run with Team Canada at the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup. Besides leading the team in scoring, Preston’s fingerprints were all over the tournament, including a third-period hattrick against the Swiss and the game-tying goal late in Canada’s semi-final loss to the Americans.

The speed, dynamism and pure skill that allowed Preston to take over the Hlinka is a large part of what makes him among this draft’s best creators. Preston has a powerful, accurate shot with the ability to release off either foot, in stride, and off any type of shot, be it snapper, one-timer or wrist shot. His puckhandling is shifty and highly adaptable, making him a difficult mark in transition. Really though, more than anything, Preston has that unteachable, raw top gear that no one can touch. He should be a treat to watch all season long.–Luke Sweeney