At the beginning of 2026 NHL Draft discussions, two names dominated the headlines: Gavin McKenna and Keaton Corroff. The first, to surpass the conceptminus-one of Connor Bedard in the Western Hockey League (WHL), a generation-visor the figures at all levels have been amazing.
Much quieter, Verhoeff also has a case for the ‘Generation’ label. The 6-foot-4, 212 pound defender had an exceptional 2024-25 campaign and is a huge striking one on the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Although the right-shot Blueliner may not be taken with the top choice, his future is clearer than what he gets the honor for.
I am not the First to say itBut we may look at the best defensive prospect since Rasmus Dahlin. With such a claim, let’s dive briefly into his game to see what the hype is about.
Verhoeff’s concept-min-one season
As a 16-year-old defender, Verhoeff was a real game breaker for the Victoria Royals last season. The figures are partial proof: he became the first WHL defender in four decades to be a 20-goal season at his age. With 45 points in 63 games in the regular season and an impressive play-off run to start, statistics alone prove its value.
Related: 2026 NHL Draft Rankings: Baracchini’s far too early top 32
Despite his youth, Verhoeff was a big difference maker in a fighting Victoria roster. Undoubtedly the most valuable defender in a team that was the BC division with 91 points at the top and went to the second round of the late season, his stock is therefore through the roof. But that is just an analysis at surface level-even the figures do not do it.
For Verhoeff it is more a “watch to” understand. In preparation for the NHL concept of 2025, I tailored a few Royals matches in the early season to get a better understanding of some top perspective Cole Reschy-Selected 18one Due to the Calgary Flames – had to offer. While he eventually became one of my favorites of last year’s class, the spotlight was often shared with Verhoeff. The two checked the pace of the games together.
The impact of Verhoeff came with his all-round skills. Games flowed through him – the trade -in of opponents, breakout fit and attacking zone support. His goals score bravery proves his assets in the latter, but he was demonstrably the most impressive defensive and in transition. He used his large frame and overall defensive insight to prevent opportunities, while picking up, skating and puck-moving capacity helped to stimulate the pace of the game.
In his concept-mini season, Verhoeff played as a future number 1 defender. This combination of size, tools in all three zones and production is not the norm for a 16-year-old Blueliner-It only comes once or twice in a generation.
Verhoeff’s performance at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup
In Matthew Schaefer-like, Verhoeff has looked like a more dynamic version of his 2024-25 himself at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Because of my eye test, he has always been the best player on the ice – the game heavy in favor of Canada, while taking on the most difficult assignments. Although his nation has crossed by three gamesHis three points and plus-5 rating are impressive.
His performance so far only strengthens the argument that he is the best defensive prospect that we have seen since Dahlin. The captain of Buffalo Sabres is a more ruthless Slagman, but that is the kind of atmosphere that I get here. Verhoeff has been incredible and the impact is outside the charts.
With all this, McKenna should still be the first player of the board at the NHL design of 2026. But the routes of these two players are much closer than some people are willing to accept. Verhoeff is a generation of defensive prospect, and in the coming months only must help his business. Between him and McKenna, the battle to the top can become interesting.
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