Flames' Top Draft Pick: Keaton Verhoeff

It's April 20th.

Welcome to Calgary Flames News today, AI Power Coverage of Your Squad.

The Calgary Flames are locked into a top six pick in the 2026 NHL draft after finishing

with the fourth worst record in the league.

That sets them up for their best shot at the highest selection in franchise history, topping

their fourth overall pick back in 2014 when they grab Sam Bennett.

One name popping up big time is right shot defenseman Keaton Verhoef, a prospect who

could be there when they call his name.

Verhoef hails from Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, stands six foot four and weighs two hundred

twelve pounds, and he's turning eighteen right before the merm, dragged.

He jumps straight from the Western Hockey League to the University of North Dakota this

past season holding his own on a top college team with solid minutes every night.

He wants to rave about his size, physical play, and crisp passing that opens up the offense,

though they want him to boost his skating for that elite.

Top pairing potential, he's ranked as high as fifth overall by some, with a profile

team's crave reliable on both ends, eating tough minutes without many off-nights.

His point total stack up to what studs like Zach Rinsky put up at the same age in college.

The Flames already know him well.

He played two years with their prospect, Cole Reshny, on the Victoria Royals, then suited

up at North Dakota.

Alongside Reshny, Cade Liddler, and Abram Webe, he posted twenty points in thirty-six

games there, plus some international bronze at the world juniors, even if the Frozen

Four didn't go as planned.

Adding Verhoef would deepen their already stacked defense pipeline, pairing nicely with

Zayn Perrek on the right side, and with their draft spot.

Secured, he's got real strong odds of falling to them wherever they land in at top six.