Ducks sign Spirit forward Nikita Klepov

The Anaheim Ducks have signed Saginaw Spirit forward Nikita Klepov to a three-year entry-level contract.

Selected 15th overall by Anaheim in the 2026 NHL Draft, Klepov enjoyed one of the most remarkable rookie seasons in Ontario Hockey League history in 2025-26.

The 18-year-old led the OHL in scoring with 97 points (37-60-97) in 67 games, becoming just the third player in league history to earn both the Emms Family Award as OHL Rookie of the Year and the Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy as the League’s leading scorer in the same season, joining Patrick Kane (2006-07) and Jack Valiquette (1973-74). Klepov also became the first American-born player to capture the Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy since Jason Robertson in 2018-19.

Klepov was named to both the OHL First All-Star Team and First All-Rookie Team after leading all rookies in goals, assists and points. The 6-foot, 186-pound forward also established Saginaw franchise rookie records for assists and points in a season while adding five points (1-4-5) in four OHL Playoff games.

Internationally, Klepov helped the United States capture gold at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, scoring the championship-clinching goal and recording six points (1-5-6) in five tournament games.