A Milestone Selection
The Anaheim Ducks made a notable move at the 2026 NHL Draft by choosing right winger Mathis Preston with the 50th overall pick in the third round. The selection marks the franchise’s continued investment in young talent from the Western Hockey League.
Preston, an 18‑year‑old native of Penticton, British Columbia, spent the 2024‑25 campaign split between the Vancouver Giants and the Spokane Chiefs, where he recorded 44 points in 46 games. His 18 goals placed him third among WHL rookies, while his 26 assists positioned him seventh in the league’s overall point totals.
The draft prospect’s offensive output was not limited to the regular season. In the 2025 WHL playoffs, Preston surged to the top of the rookie scoring chart, netting nine goals and adding seven assists for a total of 16 points across 20 games. His performance helped the Giants advance to the Western Conference Finals, underscoring his ability to perform under pressure.
International play has also highlighted Preston’s potential. He was a key member of Team Canada White at the 2024 World Under‑17 Hockey Challenge, leading the tournament in goals with six and contributing a helper for a total of seven points in five games. The following year, he earned a bronze medal with Canada at the same event, again ranking among the team’s top scorers.
Preston’s résumé also includes a stint at the 2026 Under‑18 World Championship, where he recorded two goals and four assists for six points in five appearances. Those experiences have prepared him for the transition to professional hockey, a path he hopes to begin with the Ducks’ development program.
From Small Town to Draft Day
Born on July 21, 2008, Preston grew up in the Okanagan region of British Columbia, a hotbed for hockey talent. He first caught scouts’ attention playing for the Vancouver Giants, where his combination of size, speed, and shooting accuracy set him apart. Prior to that, he honed his skills with the Spokane Chiefs, posting 14 goals and 18 assists in 36 games before the team traded him to Vancouver.
Despite an early injury that limited his debut with the Canucks’ affiliate, Preston returned to full health and posted a strong 2024‑25 season, finishing with 45 points in 54 games. His consistent production and ability to contribute in high‑stakes playoff situations have drawn praise from analysts and former NHL players alike.
The Ducks’ management expressed optimism about the pick, noting that Preston’s blend of offensive skill and international experience aligns with the club’s long‑term vision. “We see Mathis as a player who can develop into a dynamic forward for our organization,” a senior executive said in a statement.