Vancouver Giants' Mathis Preston Prioritizes Team Fit Over Draft Position Ahead of NHL Selection
Vancouver Giants winger Mathis Preston is generating buzz as a potential first-round pick in the upcoming NHL Draft, but the 17-year-old from Penticton is keeping his focus squarely on finding the right organizational fit rather than his selection number. "For me, I just want to go to a team where I can make my mark early. I don't really care about the number," Preston stated, highlighting his pragmatic approach to the draft process. "I want to go to an organization where I can come in and play my game."
Draft Projections Vary for Skilled Winger
Preston's draft stock is a topic of debate among hockey analysts. Cam Robinson of Elite Prospects projects him to go 23rd overall, while Sportsnet's Sam Cosentino has him at No. 26. However, not all experts are as bullish; TSN's Craig Button ranks Preston at No. 39 in his latest assessments. This disparity reflects Preston's flashy skill set, which has impressed scouts despite modest season statistics of 16 goals and 38 points in 41 games played.
The young winger recently returned to the Giants lineup after missing eight weeks with a knee injury, a setback that occurred just after his trade from the Spokane Chiefs to Vancouver in January. "I think 100 per cent we'd be in the playoffs," Preston remarked when asked how the Giants might have fared with a full roster, noting that injuries to key players like defenceman Ryan Lin derailed their season. Vancouver was eliminated from playoff contention last week, with five games remaining in their schedule.
Overcoming Adversity and Looking Ahead
Preston's season has been marked by challenges, including the mid-season trade and injury, but he has shown resilience. In his five games with Vancouver, he has notched two goals and six points, including memorable overtime and shootout winners. "My skill set is beyond my numbers," he asserted, downplaying concerns about his statistical output.
Looking forward, Preston hopes to extend his season by earning a spot on Team Canada for the Under-18 World Championships in Slovakia, building on his previous success at the Gretzky Hlinka Cup where he tallied four goals and seven points in five games. "I just want to play more this season," he emphasized, underscoring his love for the game over draft hype.
As the Giants prepare for their final games, Preston's performance could sway his draft position, but his mindset remains unwavering. "I'm off social media, so I think that helps," he shared, explaining how he avoids distractions. "You're playing because you love playing and not because of some draft ranking." This mature perspective may well make him a coveted prospect for NHL teams seeking both talent and character in June.
