Royals’ 2026 NHL Draft Recap
Victoria Royals defenseman Timofei Runtso and former defenceman Keaton Verhoeff have been selected in the 2026 NHL Draft in Buffalo, NY. Runtso was drafted 57th overall in the 2nd round by the Montreal Canadiens and Verhoeff was selected 9th overall in the 1st round by the San Jose Sharks.
Runtso, a 2007-born defenceman hailing from Marina Del Rey, California, played in all 68 games for the Royals in the 2025-26 campaign. He led Royals defenceman with 11 goals and 33 assists for 44 points in his first season in the WHL. Runtso was signed by Victoria prior to the start of the 2025 season.
Verhoeff suited up for the Royals in the 2024-25 season. Over his time with Victoria, he played in 75 games where he scored 21 goals and 26 assists for 47 points. The Fort Saskatchewan, AB product was selected 4th overall by Victoria in the first round of the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft.
