The best defenseman in the 2026 draft wants to be a Maple Leaf and Toronto is 13 games from making it happen
Photo credit: NCAA - North Dakota University (h/t Sportsnet)
Keaton Verhoeff is 17 years old, a generational talent and just said he wants to come to Toronto and help build a winner. The Maple Leafs have 13 games left to lose to make that happen but they're treading into dangerous territory.
This year's draft class is a star-studded affair containing the likes of Gavin McKenna, Ivar Stenberg, Chase Reid and Alberts Smits. But one name garnering a ton of attention is North Dakota University defenceman Keaton Verhoeff.
Verhoeff, 17, is already showing generational level-talent and the fact he's already 6'4, 212-pounds as a teenager is a scary proposition. He could get bigger, and coupled with his exceptional vision, speed, and booming shot - he's an NHL superstar in the making.
He has 20 points in 33 games this season (6 goals, 14 assists) with a combined career total of 47 points in 75 career WHL games with the Victoria Royals (21 goals, 26 assists).
Every win here pushes Toronto further and further away from Verhoeff
That sounds like a player who the Toronto Maple Leafs could build around for the next two decades, and with a serious chance to get him if they don't keep winning, then things might turn out great for the blue and white.
But facts are facts, Toronto is winning games and that's ruining their chances. If they end up winning just enough to fall out of a favourable top-five pick odd then there's potential Verhoeff heads to the Boston Bruins instead.
You just gave them Fraser Minten, and now you're handing them a true future superstar while you're sitting with a sluggish, old, and boring Brandon Carlo; it's going to be hard to watch.
There are 13 games left and Toronto has a fairly favourable schedule as they face the likes of Rangers, Blues, Kings, Capitals, and Panthers. Those are five winnable games, and if the Maple Leafs can put up a fight against Anaheim, Minnesota and Buffalo; they could have five extra 'W's at the end of it.
If they win even half of their remaining games (six) that's 12 points. That moves them from 70 points to 82; which is where Columbus is and sitting 12th. That's going to ensure Boston the pick and Toronto gets nothing in return.
A generational 6'4 right-handed defenceman who wants to be here? Pay attention Toronto
But it was Verhoeff himself who held a lot of praise for the Maple Leafs despite their struggles this season, and sounded like someone who not only wants to but would be proud to wear the jersey:
Every team is so prestigious, you look at the organizations and as I said earlier, the fanbase. Every single fan in Toronto loves sports, loves hockey. It's a spot where they want to win, and they want players that want to win as well.
To go into Toronto and have a chance to be a guy who can be someone to build around, help the new wave of players coming in to become a winning organization in a couple of years.
To go into Toronto and have a chance to be a guy who can be someone to build around, help the new wave of players coming in to become a winning organization in a couple of years.
Was that a 17-year-old teenager speaking or a Cup-winning veteran? He's so well put together it's scary, and his words ring true with that fanbase he adores. We just want to win.
Verhoeff is trying to stay humble but this is obviously a player who Toronto cannot only build around, but come in and instantly make a difference even as a teen.
Look what Matthew Schaefer did with the Islanders. He came in and completely transformed not only their on-ice product, but gave fans hope that things are getting better.
Lo and behold, they did; and when you have 1,000 people alone coming to support you - you've made a difference.
The chance to add someone who not only adds that offensive leader they're desperate for, while also being proud to put on the jersey is nothing short of a jackpot for the Maple Leafs.
They have a chance to cash in, but they can't keep betting on their pride. It's time to start losing because in the end, they could walk away massive winners.
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Previously on Hockey Patrol
| POLL | ||
MARS 19|851 ANSWERS The best defenseman in the 2026 draft wants to be a Maple Leaf and Toronto is 13 games from making it happen Would you be happy if Toronto drafted Keaton Verhoeff or do you hope for someone else? | ||
| Verhoeff | 577 | 67.8 % |
| Someone Else | 274 | 32.2 % |
| List of polls | ||