The Sharks' Future Blue Line, Pt. 1: Keaton Verhoeff | 2026 NHL Draft

The Sharks used the No. 9 pick on Keaton Verhoeff a 6'4" right-shot defenseman out of U of North Dakota. I ran two of his full games through GameRun and broke down exactly what San Jose is getting. This is Part 1 of my "Sharks' Future Blue Line" series: the elite defensive game that's already close to NHL-ready, and the raw pieces that make him a 2–3 year project. I called Stenberg at 2 and a D at 9 last time the Sharks did exactly that, so let's meet the D. Part 2 (Ryan Lin) drops next. 🔔 Subscribe for Part 2 — Ryan Lin ⏱️ CHAPTERS 0:00 I called the Sharks' draft now meet the D 0:15 Who is Keaton Verhoeff 0:40 The GameRun reports: what the tape actually says 2:30 Film breakdown — the eye test 13:49 My take: why this is a steal at 9 14:29 Part 2 tease Ryan Lin Keaton Verhoeff: RHD, 6'4" 212, University of North Dakota (NCAA) 20 pts in 30 games as a freshman, NCHC All-Rookie, selected No. 9 overall by the San Jose Sharks. GameRun graded his defense elite in both games backward skating, gap control, and positioning all 8s with the offense and physical strength as the development runway. #SJSharks #SanJoseSharks #NHLDraft #KeatonVerhoeff #NHLProspects #Sharks #Hockey #2026NHLDraft