BREAKING: Sharks Select Keaton Verhoeff No. 9 Overall

BUFFALO — With the 9th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, the San Jose Sharks select defenseman Keaton Verhoeff.

Verhoeff is a 6-foot-4, right-handed defenseman who played for North Dakota in the NCAA last season. In 36 games, the new San Jose Sharks d-man had six goals and 14 assists. He also played for Team Canada at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship.

Sharks GM Mike Grier told reporters earlier this week that he had been looking for a big right-handed defenseman who can create offense.

Verhoeff could turn pro next season, but the expectation is that he returns to North Dakota for his sophomore season. That is not confirmed.

Coverage of the 2026 NHL Draft will continue. Ivar Stenberg and Verhoeff are the first of three expected picks in this season’s draft.

“Offensively inclined defender who joins the rush and hammers pucks, while bringing physicality at the other end; top-pair upside is possible with skating and puck management growth,” Elite Prospects says.