In the early discussions surrounding the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, two names have consistently emerged: Gavin McKenna and Keaton Verhoeff. While McKenna has garnered significant attention, Verhoeff is making a compelling case for himself as a "generational" talent.

Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 212 pounds, Verhoeff is a right-shot defenseman who had an outstanding 2024-25 season and has distinguished himself at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Despite the possibility that he might not be the top pick, his future appears exceptionally promising. Some scouts suggest that Verhoeff could be the best defensive prospect since Rasmus Dahlin.

Verhoeff's Strengths

• Two-Way Ability: Verhoeff is a two-way defenseman with size, mobility, and excellent instincts.
• Hockey Sense: His game is driven by intellect, enabling him to read and anticipate plays effectively.
• Defensive Prowess: Praised for his defensive game, Verhoeff utilizes his size and reach effectively. He maintains good positioning, leverages battles, and defends the net front exceptionally well. He possesses a strong defensive stick, disrupting passes and blocking shots.
• Skating: Verhoeff is a fantastic skater, especially considering his size. He demonstrates excellent four-way mobility and gap control.
• Puck Skills: He handles the puck well, makes good decisions, and moves the puck quickly. He excels at making accurate first passes to facilitate efficient zone exits.
• Physicality: Verhoeff is not afraid to use his body to separate players from the puck and plays physically. He is often the strongest player on the ice and uses his strength to his advantage.
• Power Play Potential: He has the potential to be an effective power play contributor due to his puck-moving abilities and vision.
• Composure: He shows great composure when leading an attack and picks his spots to join the play.

Verhoeff's 2024-25 Season

As a 16-year-old, Verhoeff significantly impacted the Victoria Royals. He became the first WHL defenseman in four decades to score 20 goals at his age. His contributions included 45 points in 63 regular-season games, along with a strong playoff performance. He was arguably the most valuable defenseman on a team that won the B.C. Division with 91 points.

Hlinka Gretzky Cup

Verhoeff was named captain for Canada's under-18 team at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. In the tournament opener against Finland, he recorded a goal and an assist and was named Canada's player of the game.

Potential Downsides

• Skating: One scout noted that Verhoeff's skating is below average and that he struggles with pace.
• Defensive Stick: Another scout mentioned that his defensive stick needs to improve.
• Physicality: Despite his size and strength, he could be more physical.

NHL Comparison and Potential

Some NHL comparisons have been made to Seth Jones. Verhoeff possesses a combination of size, skating, work ethic, and two-way potential, making him an intriguing prospect. He is committed to playing college hockey at North Dakota, taking advantage of the NCAA rule change that allows CHL players to play college hockey.

The Competition for No. 1

The 2026 NHL Draft has been largely considered the "Gavin McKenna sweepstakes". However, Verhoeff's performance has led to discussions about whether he could challenge McKenna for the top pick. Some believe that if a team winning the lottery needs a defenseman, Verhoeff could be the top choice.

Ultimately, whether Keaton Verhoeff is a "generational" talent remains to be seen. However, his unique combination of size, skill, and hockey sense makes him one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft.