Ducks Pick Nikita Klepov 15th Overall – Hockey Writers – Anaheim Ducks

With the 15th pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, the Anaheim Ducks selected Nikita Klepov from the Saginaw Spirit of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).

About Nikita Klepov

Nikita Klepov is a 6-foot, 185-pound left-shot winger from Deerfield Beach, Florida. He had an amazing rookie season with the Saginaw Spirit of the Ontario Hockey League. He led the OHL in scoring with 97 points, recording 37 goals and 60 assists across 67 games. He became the first player to pace the league in goals since Patrick Kane did so with the London Knights in the 2006-07 season. He also became the first player born in the United States to lead the OHL in scoring since Jason Robertson during the 2018-19 season.

Klepov’s elite offense and ability to create chances with the puck off his stick played a big role in helping him climb draft boards. What makes him so promising is his offensive toolset. He has elite vision, soft hands in tight spots and a deceptive release that allows him to score in various areas of the ice. He is equally dangerous as a passer and shooter, constantly deceiving defenders and creating opportunities for his teammates.

Klepov’s rise has been impressive considering his approach to the NHL Draft. After being selected by Saginaw in the 2025 CHL Import Draft, he quickly became one of the OHL’s premier offensive players and earned the Hap Emms Award as the league’s Rookie of the Year. He has also committed to Michigan State University, where he is expected to continue to improve next season.

Excerpt from THW’s profile

When he arrived in Saginaw for the 2025-26 season, Klepov immediately stood out. Whether it’s on the offensive side of the puck or making plays at the end of the ice, he has taken his game to the next level this season after being strong with the Sioux Falls Musketeers in the United States Hockey League (USHL) last season. What stands out most when he has the puck in the offensive zone is the calmness with which he plays. When in possession of the puck, he doesn’t rush or force passes or plays, with the IQ and vision to know when and where to attack. Although he’s not the biggest (6-foot, 181 pounds), Klepov has no problem going to the middle of the ice with the puck to make a play and can play anywhere on the offensive end, making him a threat to blow up from anywhere. He needs to work on bulking up a bit to handle the physicality of the game at the next level, though.

Klepov’s offensive skill set, along with his IQ, vision, and patience, have been on full display this season for the Spirit as well. It starts with his handling and puck work in the midfield, where he makes difficult plays look easy by moving quickly to get through and then using his hands in the offensive zone to direct himself into the right position. Although he has good speed, his skating mechanics are an area where he can improve. He has great playmaking skills due to his vision on the ice, finding teammates in areas others wouldn’t think to pass or play, and has a shot to be a scorer when needed. So far this OHL season, the future Michigan State Spartan is second in the league in points (88) and sits in the top ten in both goals (36) and assists (52).

Read Klepov’s full player profile here.

How Does This Affect the Anaheim Ducks Programs?

Drafting Klepov gives the Ducks another quality offensive weapon to add to their impressive young mind. Anaheim has spent the last few years building on talent and creativity, and Klepov fits that identity perfectly. His playmaking ability and scoring touch add more depth to an already talented forward group, giving the organization another potential top-six option as it continues to rebuild.

More importantly, the selection of Klepov reinforces that the Ducks are moving away from acquiring his prospects to build a team capable of being a consistent threat. If his development continues on the current trajectory, he could end up giving Anaheim another game-breaking wing that could help lift the team from a rebuild to a true contender in the coming years.