How Keaton Verhoeff has handled the draft-year pressure

Apr 19, 2026, 09:00 EDTUpdated: Apr 16, 2026, 13:46 EDT

Keaton Verhoeff didn’t get to spend much time feeling bad for himself after North Dakota’s Frozen Four semifinal loss.

Shortly after the UND’s loss to Wisconsin last Thursday, Verhoeff found himself preparing to head to Slovakia ahead of the 2026 U-18 World Championship. It’ll mark the third time Verhoeff has played for Canada internationally this season alone after taking home bronze at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and World Junior Championship.

It’s been a busy season for the hulking 6-foot-4 defender – but he wouldn’t have it any other way.

Verhoeff is projected to go in the top five of the NHL Draft. Some scouts consider him to be the top blueliner available. He became the third-youngest player to make the jump to the NCAA in college hockey history after leaving the Victoria Royals of the WHL. He was one of the most notable names to hop over to the college ranks out of the CHL alongside fellow top 2026 NHL Draft prospect Gavin McKenna.

There were growing pains, of course. He had just three points in his final 14 games, and his ice time fluctuated a bit, as well. But scouts loved that he took the tougher route and elected to go to college early instead of beating up his own age group. Given he had 45 points as a 16-year-old, something in the 80-plus range would have definitely been possible.

But Verhoeff was focused on the bigger picture – becoming the best prospect he could possibly be.

“It was definitely difficult leaving a great program in Victoria, and I had great teammates there as well,” Verhoeff told Daily Faceoff from Hockey Canada’s training camp in Slovakia. “And I think, for me, it was kind of the right next step to challenge myself and go to college and play against these bigger and stronger guys. I think it really helped develop my game.”

Verhoeff finished his freshman season with six goals and 20 points in 36 games. He was tied for 10th among U-19 scorers and second among blueliners. He wasn’t as productive as Zach Werenski or Noah Hanifin in their 17-year-old seasons. But Verhoeff’s production comes at a time when college hockey has never been deeper.

“You have to remember truly how young he is,” one scout said. “Most other freshmen defenders he went up against were 19-20. Verhoeff is 17 and handled the pressure well.”

Verhoeff spent his entire college campaign in UND’s top four, primarily on the top line. He was easily able to adjust to the game physically, thanks to his big frame and his willingness to take space away. He’s not a bruiser by any means, but he uses his larger frame to clear the crease. Verhoeff isn’t an elite skater by any means, but he’s still quite mobile for his size.

“I think playing against these older, faster guys has really made me into a more mature defenseman, and helped me play a more mature game,” Verhoeff said. “I think it’s something that I kind of wanted to emphasize this year, which was developing my defensive game and my 200-foot game. And I think that’s something I did and I’m pretty happy with.”

Defensemen often develop slower – there’s no need to rush. Verhoeff, in particular, is still extremely raw. He played high-level hockey as a goaltender before switching to defense less than a decade ago. He made it to the U-15 AAA level at 13 years old, about three years after leaving the pads behind. So there’s still a lot of runway for Verhoeff to develop into an even more dynamic defender down the line.

“He’s a natural-born athlete,” another scout said. “And he’s determined to win every shift, even if he makes mistakes along the way.”

Verhoeff has been able to lean on two family members during his draft year – Montreal’s Kirby Dach and Edmonton’s Colton Dach. Both of Verhoeff’s have been through the draft process and experienced life in the NHL. Kirby, in particular, was a top five pick in 2019.

“They just always say to enjoy (the draft year experience),” Verhoeff said. “And I think that’s kind of an overused term. And I don’t think you really understand it until late in your draft year. I think for me, it’s just been trying to enjoy it with the guys who come to the rink every day and put a smile on my face and try to be the best player and person I can be.”

While the decision likely won’t be officially made until he’s drafted, many scouts think Verhoeff would be better off returning to UND for his sophomore campaign than turning pro. North Dakota is expected to challenge for a national title again, with Verhoeff projected to play heavy minutes.

“I think I kind of changed my game from not being as much of a run-and-gun type of hockey player to more of someone who can be a little more reserved and can be a little more patient and let the game come to him,” Verhoeff said. “Going through this year was something that I really needed to keep growing my game in that defensive zone. And looking on to next year, I want to continue to become a turn-on-foot defenseman that can play every single situation, can play PK, power play, and really enforce his kind of strength and power onto guys as well, I think, making sure that I’m a well-trusted guy and knowing my coaches can trust me in all situations.”

Next up? The U-18s. Verhoeff was one of the best defenders a year ago despite joining late as an underaged blueliner. Expectations will be high again as Canada looks to threepeat. It’s a solid blueline, one that will also include potential first-rounders Ryan Lin and Gio Pantelas, among others. With Gavin McKenna, Chase Reid and Ivar Stenberg aging out, and Carson Carels still busy in the WHL playoffs, most eyes will be fixated on Verhoeff, and seeing if he can end the year on a high note.

Verhoeff is ready for the challenge.

“Being able to learn and play a solid role and win that gold last year was something special,” Verhoeff said. “I just hope we can continue and can win that third gold in a row.”

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