Sharks Draft Verhoeff at Ninth

NHL News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jun 28, 2026 · 1m

San Jose Sharks snagged 17-year-old defenseman Keaton Verhoeff with the ninth overall pick in the NHL draft, a moment he called “super pumped” to be part of — especially with family by his side. Standing 6’3” and packing 208 pounds, Verhoeff lit up college hockey with 20 points in 36 games and is the third-youngest player in men’s college hockey. Born in Alberta, he soaked in the red carpet moment and even got a star-studded welcome call from Olympic and World Championship standout Macklin Celebrini, who made him feel right at home. Verhoeff’s first Sharks jersey felt special — and this is…