What Happened
The Anaheim Ducks announced Friday that rookie forward Nikita Klepov has been assigned to the OHL's Saginaw Spirit. Klepov, 18, was taken 11th overall in this year's NHL Draft and made Anaheim's opening-night roster after signing his entry-level contract instead of playing at Michigan State. He appeared in four games with the Ducks and recorded no points. Because he is back in junior before reaching the 10-game threshold, the first year of his entry-level deal does not take effect.
Key Details
- Klepov, 18, was the 11th overall pick in this year's NHL Draft.
- He played four games for Anaheim without a point.
- He is not yet eligible for the AHL, so junior was the assignment option.
- He signed his entry-level contract rather than play NCAA hockey at Michigan State.
- Klepov led the OHL in scoring last season with 97 points in 67 games.
- His return before 10 games means the first year of his contract does not begin.
What It Means
The assignment keeps Klepov in a league where he has already produced at a high level, and it preserves the first year of his entry-level contract for a later season. Anaheim gets a longer look at him before that deal starts counting. Saginaw adds a forward who led the OHL in scoring a season ago as it builds around a young core.
What's Next
Klepov rejoins a Spirit team that also features Dima Zhilkin, a potential top-10 pick in next year's draft. His play in Saginaw will determine whether he earns another NHL look later in the season.