What Happened
Nikita Klepov, the Anaheim Ducks' first-round pick at 15th overall in the 2026 draft, is in line to make his NHL debut Wednesday against the Edmonton Oilers. The 18-year-old forward took reps on the third line at morning skate after watching Anaheim's first two games from the press box. Klepov signed his entry-level contract after changing his plans to play NCAA hockey at Michigan State.
Key Details
- Klepov was selected 15th overall by Anaheim in the 2026 draft
- He was the OHL's top scorer and rookie of the year with Saginaw last season: 37 goals, 60 assists in 67 games
- He can appear in up to nine games before his entry-level contract takes effect
- A conditioning stint in the AHL is possible, but he cannot play there full-time; a return to Saginaw is also an option
- He would be the fifth 2026 first-rounder to debut, joining Gavin McKenna, Ivar Stenberg, Alberts Smits and Viggo Bjorck
What It Means
Klepov's debut begins the nine-game window that determines whether the first year of his entry-level contract is triggered. Anaheim can evaluate him at the NHL level, use an AHL conditioning stint, or send him back to a Saginaw team expected to contend in the OHL. His OHL scoring title and rookie of the year honours made him one of the more closely watched picks of the 2026 class.
What's Next
Klepov's usage over the coming games will shape Anaheim's decision on his nine-game limit. The Ducks can keep him on the roster, send him to the AHL on a conditioning stint, or return him to Saginaw.