Defense
6’4/212
Right
North Dakota/NCAA
Related: Best Defensive Prospects in 2026 NHL Draft
Before joining the NCAA, he played for the Victoria Royals in the WHL. In the 2024–25 season, he scored 21 goals, the third-most by a defenseman aged 16 or younger in WHL history. Originally a goaltender, Verhoeff switched to defense at age 12. He also completed high school a year early to begin his college career at 17. He won gold with Canada at both the 2024 World U-17 Hockey Challenge and the 2025 IIHF Under-18 World Championships. Keaton Verhoeff is a top-ranked Canadian ice hockey defenseman currently playing for the University of North Dakota (UND) Fighting Hawks in the NCAA. As a 17-year-old freshman, Verhoeff is one of the youngest players
in men’s college hockey; he has quickly become a key part of the UND Fighting Hawks’ defensive core. As of late February 2026, he has recorded 18 points (6 goals, 12 assists) in 26 games, along with 33 blocked shots and maintains a physical presence with 25 penalty minutes. He recently represented Team Canada at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, where his role significantly increased as the tournament progressed. Verhoeff is highly sought after
due to his rare combination of size (6’4″, 212 lbs) and offensive instinct as a right-shot defenseman. He is currently ranked No. 2 among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting. Some analysts, such as Ryan Kennedy of The Hockey News, have ranked him as the No. 1 overall prospect.
Size/Strength Average
Skating Average
Shot/Scoring Good
Puckhandling Good
Physical Play Average
Offensive Play Good
Defensive Excellent
Hockey Sense Excellent
Competitiveness Excellent
Strength
1. Verhoeff is a significant threat from the blue line, noted for a “blistering” one-timer and a quick wrist shot release. He acts as a “quarterback” on the power play.
2. Elite Vision and IQ; he makes smart, “mature” plays in all three zones and has the vision to execute difficult transition passes under duress.
3. He uses his elite reach to control gaps and disrupt passing lanes. Imposing physical presence who can play proactively and physically in the corners and in front of the net.
Areas of Improvement
1. His acceleration from a standstill and lateral agility are currently identified as his biggest areas for improvement.
2. At times he shows spectacular end to end rushing ability, but can occasionally “bobble” or over-skate the puck when pressured.
3. Overshoots his gap or bites too hard on a puck carrier, leaving him vulnerable to back-door plays.
Scouting Report
Keaton Verhoeff is widely considered the premier defensive prospect for the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. Standing 6’4″ and weighing 212 lbs, he possesses the “most coveted profile in the sport”: a massive, right-shot defenseman with high-end offensive production and steady defensive details. Verhoeff has spent a lot of time in McKenna’s shadow. While McKenna was setting the league on fire, Verhoeff was also setting franchise records and scoring at a historical pace. While his WHL compatriot was making all the headlines jumping to the NCAA, Verhoeff made the leap too and looks just as poised for a run at a top selection in June. Verhoeff has, essentially, the most coveted profile in the sport. He’s a 6-4, RHD who skates very well and is born late in the draft cohort. Verhoeff is also a player who can be relied upon heavily on either side of the puck. Defensively, Verhoeff has strong stick details, closes gaps efficiently, and plays proactively and physically, whether that be in the corners, in front of his net, or standing up at both bluelines. He’s also poised under pressure and makes plenty of slick retrievals and outlet plays in the DZ. Offensively, Verhoeff can lead the rush with his feet or use his playmaking ability to advance the puck. He walks the line confidently, handles the puck well (occasionally flashing high-end skill) and, of course, has a bullet of a shot from the point. Verhoeff is a significant threat from the blue line, noted for a “blistering” one-timer and a quick wrist shot release (timed as fast as 0.3 seconds). He acts as a “quarterback” on the power play, showing a high willingness to join the rush and drive high-danger scoring chances. He uses his elite reach to control gaps and disrupt passing lanes. Scouts highlight his high panic threshold, which allows him to navigate pressure calmly in his own zone. He is described as a “stopper” who can play proactively and physically in the corners and in front of the net. Ranked with a “10” in physicality by some scouts, Verhoeff is an imposing presence who uses his frame as a weapon. He has already demonstrated leadership qualities, serving as captain for Team Canada at the Hlinka-Gretzky tournament. In many other years, Verhoeff would rightfully be seen as the gem of the class. Instead, he’ll just have another chance to prove his worth. Scouts have compared his playing style and potential impact to NHL defenseman Jake Sanderson of the Ottawa Senators, a true franchise defenseman. He is currently ranked No. 2 among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting. Some analysts, such as Ryan Kennedy of The Hockey News, have ranked him as the No. 1 overall prospect.
Skill: A big right-handed defenceman who can do it all
NHL Comparable: Jake Sanderson
NHL Potential: True No.1 Defenseman
| Season | Team | League | GP | G | PTS |
| 2024-25 | Victoria Royals | WHL | 74 | 22 | 55 |
| Canada U18 | WJC-18 | 5 | 1 | 5 | |
| 2025-26 | Univ. of North Dakota | NCAA | 28 | 6 | 18 |
| Canada U18 | Hlinka Gretzky Cup | 5 | 1 | 4 | |
| Canada U20 | WJC-20 | 5 | 0 | 4 |
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