League: NHL Sport: Hockey Country: United States Category: Recaps

San Jose Sharks draft Keaton Verhoeff at No. 9 in NHL Draft

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 27, 2026, 8:05 AM

Last updated Jun 27, 2026

San Jose Sharks draft Keaton Verhoeff at No. 9 in NHL Draft

Summary

The San Jose Sharks selected defenseman Keaton Verhoeff with the ninth overall pick in the NHL Draft on June 27, 2026. Verhoeff, a 6-foot-4 right-handed player, recently completed his freshman season at the University of North Dakota, where he recorded six goals and 20 points in 36 games. He expressed enthusiasm about joining the Sharks' young core and the opportunities both in the NHL and at North Dakota for the coming season. Verhoeff's family supported him during the draft, and he received a congratulatory call from fellow draft pick Macklin Celebrini after his selection.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Key Details

•Keaton Verhoeff chosen ninth overall by the Sharks in the 2026 NHL Draft.
•Verhoeff had a notable freshman season at North Dakota, reaching the Frozen Four.
•He is excited about joining the Sharks' talented young roster.
•Verhoeff discussed potential options between playing in the NHL or returning to college.
•Verhoeff received a congratulatory call from Macklin Celebrini after the draft.

Latest Updates

8:05 AMYahoo Sports — Verhoeff on What He Has To Improve, Celebrini’s Phone Call, the Dachs

What they're saying

"
The San Jose Sharks got themselves the defensive prospect they were looking for. At No. 9, they selected 6-foot-4 right-hander Keaton Verhoeff. Verhoeff just finished his freshman season at the University of North Dakota, opting to head to college at age 17 – like Macklin Celebrini – to get a year in the NCAA ahead […] The post Verhoeff on What He Has To Improve, Celebrini’s Phone Call, the Dachs appeared first on San Jose Hockey Now.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

San Jose Sharks NHL Hockey