D Keaton Verhoeff - Victoria Royals, WHL (2026 Draft)

[Mathieukferland]

My first time watching him live tonight, he is an absolute stud and has the complete package; skating, offensive instincts, positioning, physical, strong in battles, size. Lofty comparison perhaps but it’s the most Shea Weber-style prospect I’ve seen in a while

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

My first time watching him live tonight, he is an absolute stud and has the complete package; skating, offensive instincts, positioning, physical, strong in battles, size. Lofty comparison perhaps but it’s the most Shea Weber-style prospect I’ve seen in a while

How were his hands?

 

[Mathieukferland]

How were his hands?

Average, I wouldn’t say it’s the type of player that will stick handle and head fake through the opposition whether it be on the rush or walking the blue line like Dupont was attempting to do last night, but I think its less relevant to his play style in the way that it would be for a Pietrangelo type let’s say

 

[Alberta tough]

His skating needs work (has an odd stride/slow first couple of strides). The rest of his game looks good.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

Wow, he is something else.

I think he'll be one of the main contenders for McKenna next year. Looks like the early top defenseman for 2026 I think.

He is so much improved since what I saw at the YOG. Has all the tools to be a potential 1D in the future.

 

[Mathieukferland]

Toe drag release

 

[Andy Dufresne]

That's what a top 10 nhl pick (at least) d-man looks like as a 16 year old in the whl. Not much to nitpick at here. Threw the puck away in traffic a few times. When he has any time and space he makes good smart decisions. Running his teams PP as a 16 is really impressive and not that common. Particularly for a 6'3" kid who projects to be a good defender at the next level:

 

[Mathieukferland]

Starts the play by activating and getting a pass to a dangerous area and finishes it by following up. 2 goals on the night. If it were not for the fact McKenna is there in 2026 I think he would be a first overall candidate in weaker drafts, the package is so complete and seeing him live in the WHC17 final I was so impressed

 

[MS]

Such an easy Alex Pietrangelo sort of projection with this player.