OPTIONS AT 9: San Jose Sharks Could Be Looking At Daxon Rudolph, Keaton Verhoeff, or Alberts Smits

San Jose Sharks face a pivotal NHL Draft moment with the number nine pick—can they land a franchise-altering defenseman? JD Young spotlights top prospects Daxon Rudolph, Keaton Verhoeff, and Alberts Smits, each offering a unique blend of talent and risk. Will the high-octane offense of Rudolph elevate the Sharks’ blue line, or does Verhoeff’s raw upside and bold NCAA leap make him the ultimate swing for the future? The debate heats up as Smits' mature, shutdown play in pro leagues positions him as a “sure thing” for immediate impact, even against men. Young compares their strengths—scoring potential, physicality, skating, and developmental trajectories—while weighing fit with San Jose’s vision and Mike Grier’s strategy. With the draft around the corner, Sharks fans are left to wonder: which defensive cornerstone will shape the next era in the Bay Area?