The future of North Dakota hockey is shining bright on the NHL's radar. Four players with UND ties have landed on NHL Central Scouting's final rankings for the 2026 NHL Draft, headlined by a potential program-record-setting talent.

Leading the pack is freshman defenseman Keaton Verhoeff, who is ranked as the No. 4 North American skater. He trails only Penn State's Gavin McKenna, Michigan State recruit Chase Reid, and uncommitted defenseman Carson Carels. This high placement puts Verhoeff in elite company at UND; he is projected to potentially become the highest-drafted player in program history, a distinction currently held by Jonathan Toews, who went third overall in 2006.

Joining Verhoeff on the prospect list are three other future Fighting Hawks. Forward Cooper Williams (Saskatoon Blades) is ranked No. 50, while defensemen Ethan MacKenzie (Edmonton Oil Kings) and Brayden Klimpke (Saskatoon Blades) are ranked No. 62 and No. 74, respectively. MacKenzie, who gained valuable experience playing alongside Verhoeff for Canada at the World Junior Championship, is set to arrive on campus this fall.

The 2026 NHL Draft is scheduled for June 26-27 in Buffalo, New York, marking a key date for these young athletes. For UND fans, it's an exciting glimpse into the next wave of talent that will be suiting up for the green and white in the coming seasons.