Mathis Preston, a promising prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft, has had a rollercoaster year. Initially a standout, scoring 45 goals and 81 points at the Okanagan U-15 prep program, he was selected third overall in the 2023 WHL Draft. Following a strong start and impressive performances in international play, Preston's draft stock dipped due to inconsistent domestic performance and an injury layoff. However, his latest showings at the U-18 World Championship have reignited excitement among scouts, showcasing his high-level skill and competitive spirit, positioning him again as a top prospect.

By the Numbers
  • Scored 45 goals and 81 points in just 26 games during his U-15 year.
  • Recorded 6 goals and 7 points at the 2024 U-17 World Challenge as Canada White's leading scorer.
State of Play
  • Preston鈥檚 performance dropped during the WHL season, leading to concerns about consistency.
  • A recent strong showing at the U-18 Championship has positively impacted scouts' perceptions.
What's Next

With the WHL season ongoing, Preston aims to capitalize on his international momentum to solidify his first-round status for the draft. A strong performance in his third WHL season will be crucial to restoring and boosting his draft stock ahead of June.

Bottom Line

Mathis Preston's journey highlights the volatility of prospect evaluations in hockey; adapting to both high-pressure situations and the need for consistency will be key to his future success and draft placement.