Going into September, less than a month away from the return of Ducks hockey, it’s time to review some of the more high profile prospects in the system. This one is a Russian-American, point producing phenom out of Florida.
Two seasons ago, Klepov had a respectable 31 points in 59 United States Hockey League games for the Sioux City Musketeers. Good production for a 17-year-old in the highest level of junior hockey in the States. However, it was with his most recent campaign in the Ontario Hockey League, that he really bolstered his draft value. Klepov scored 37 goals and added 60 assists in just 67 games with the Saginaw Spirit. Nearly an assist per game! Safe to say he has great vision on the ice.
Defence leads to offence!
— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) October 5, 2025
Nikita Klepov continues to rack up the highlights for @SpiritHockey, this time forcing the turnover before dangling past the goalie to earn the @deltabingo_ Play of the Night. pic.twitter.com/butg9wVFkx
High expectations
The Deerfield Beach native was picked 15th overall in the 2026 Draft. Higher than what was projected in the months leading up to it. Pat Verbeek and his team must really like what he brings because they made a trade in order to make that pick. That trade was Mason McTavish to the Blues for two first first-round picks in the draft. Giving up a player like McTavish says quite a bit about what the Ducks see in Klepov.
Scouts have labeled him as being a tactician and a puckhandler. As well, he is praised for his “physical skills, defensive ability, and motor” according to Elite Prospects. He was originally ranked 20th in EP’s draft guide. He has risen above that and surely there is strong promise in his game.
Klepov committed to play at Michigan State not long after being drafted. Although it didn’t last long as he was signed to an ELC by Anaheim on July 25. This now means his development could be fast tracked. At just 18, Klepov will either play for the Ducks in 2026-27 or he will play one more year in the OHL. One more year in junior can’t hurt. As long he focuses on the fine points of his game, and works on the little things. Surely, the scoring will come in any case.
Personally, when I think about Klepov right now he reminds me of Beckett Sennecke. Similar path, I feel. He and Sennecke are both good on left and right wing. They each have a scoring touch and fantastic playmaking ability. Perhaps, we will see Klepov have one more solid year in the OHL, and he makes the team in 2027-28 as a full-time NHLer. That being said, with the Cutter Gauthier situation up in the air, Klepov could even make a real run at an NHL spot if he has an impressive training camp. His first year in the "O" showed that he can bring it!
One of my favorite players in the 2026 NHL Draft Nikita Klepov has so much skill, offensive ability, high hockey IQ, always in the right spots and the puck seems to find him, quick reaction time paired with great hand speed.
— The Prospect Don (@TheProspectDon) March 24, 2026
Klepov currently leads the OHL in points with 97.… https://t.co/u8rfwvfOe3 pic.twitter.com/XSvqjE7Fs9
See him in action
Much like Sennecke, it may not take very long for Klepov to have a positive major impact on the squad. As a rookie, whether this year or next, I could very well see him having a 40-50 point campaign. Ducks fans will be able to sneak a peek at Klepov in a Ducks sweater next weekend when the prospects participate in the Rookie Faceoff. He’ll be wearing number 40. Fans in Orange County can watch an open practice on Friday, September 11 at 10 a.m. Free to attend. Then on the 12th and 13th, the Ducks’ games vs the Avs(1 p.m. PT) and Kings(3 p.m. PT) will be streamed for free on the Anaheim Ducks website.
Final thoughts
I am certainly excited about Klepov and the new skills he will bring to the Ducks’ offense. As well, he has great size and is still growing at just 18 years old. I believe he could be another 20-30 goal scorer for the team. A great compliment to a center like Leo. Go Ducks!
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