Last week the Vancouver Giants sent forward Cameron Schmidt (DAL 2025 draft, 3rd round 94th overall) to Seattle, in exchange for d-man Kaleb Hartmann and five draft picks. Schmidt has totaled 66 points (30G 36A) in 42 WHL games this season, and currently is riding a 21-game point streak in which he has totaled 36 points on 16 goals and 20 assists. Schmidt is considered to be a third-round steal for the Stars. He was listed as a first-round pick in numerous 2025 rankings, but ultimately fell to Dallas due to his lack of size (5’8″ 161 LBS.). Seattle regards him as a cornerstone piece to its future, and early on is being proven correct due to Schmidt’s 6 points (3G 3A) in his first three games with the Thunderbirds.
Yet another top prospect changing teams in the WHL last week is forward Mathis Preston. Spokane sent Preston and a 2029 draft pick to Vancouver in exchange for players and picks. Preston is 2026 draft-eligible, and is unanimously projected as a first-round pick. In my personal viewing of Preston at the CHL USA Prospects Challenge earlier this season, it is easy to see why he is so highly regarded. Preston combined his elite skill and dynamic quickness to generate 3 points (1G 2A) at that two-game set, and constantly made his on-ice presence felt. Preston has 35 points (15G 20A) in 38 games this season, including three points in two games with the Giants since his January 5 acquisition.