The Florida Panthers are in a fierce battle to keep their playoff hopes alive in the Eastern Conference. Sitting at 33-29-3 with 69 points, they trail the Boston Bruins by nine points for that coveted final wildcard spot. While the gap is significant, the Panthers are still mathematically in the race, keeping their dream of a third consecutive Stanley Cup alive.
Last season's trade for defenseman Seth Jones, which saw them part with goaltender Spencer Knight and a first-round pick, comes with an intriguing twist. That pick is top-10 protected, giving the Panthers some strategic flexibility as they look to bolster their lineup for a big push next season. A prime target could be North Dakota defenseman Keaton Verhoeff if he becomes available.
Verhoeff’s Journey
Hailing from Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, Canada, Keaton Verhoeff has been on a steady rise. His journey began with the Fort Saskatchewan Rangers, where he showcased his skills with 13 goals and 24 assists in 34 games during the 2021 season. His playoff performance was equally impressive, adding three goals and two assists in seven games.
His progression continued in the WHL with the Victoria Royals. During the 2024-25 season, Verhoeff notched 21 goals and 24 assists, boasting a plus-23 rating over 63 games. In the playoffs, he contributed a goal and nine assists in 11 games, maintaining a plus-4 rating.
This year, Verhoeff has taken his talents to the collegiate stage with North Dakota, currently the nation’s second-ranked team. With six goals, 14 assists, and a plus-10 rating through 32 games, he’s solidified his status as a top prospect.
Defensive Questions for the Panthers
This season, the Panthers' defense has seen a revolving cast at the bottom pair, with players like Dmitry Kulikov, Jeff Petry, Uvis Balinskis, Donovan Sebrango, and now Mike Benning sharing ice time.
If GM Bill Zito chooses to use the pick, Verhoeff could inject youth into the lineup and potentially stabilize the bottom pairing, with the upside to grow into a more prominent role.
Verhoeff: A Standout in the 2026 Draft Class
Analysts widely regard Verhoeff as a top-three prospect and possibly the best defenseman in his class. Adding him to the roster Zito has assembled would make the Panthers even more formidable.
The Gavin McKenna Dilemma
There’s also a chance the Panthers could snag the top draft prize, Penn State forward Gavin McKenna. While McKenna is touted as the best prospect since Connor Bedard, the Panthers’ forward depth could limit his immediate impact. Placing a generational talent like McKenna in a bottom-six role doesn’t maximize his potential unless he’s paired with stars like Aleksander Barkov or Matthew Tkachuk.
What’s Next for the Panthers?
Despite the temptation to tank for a better pick, the Panthers have been stringing together wins. With a 5.2% chance of landing the second-overall pick, according to Tankathon, the idea isn’t entirely out of reach. With their core locked in for the long haul, the Panthers should seriously consider taking Verhoeff if the opportunity presents itself.