Ducks Pull Surprise Move, Sign 1st-Rounder, OHL Scoring Leader, to NHL Contract

The Anaheim Ducks have convinced 2026 first-round pick Nikita Klepov to break his commitment to the NCAA for next season, by signing a three-year entry-level deal. It comes with a $1.575 million AAV and a $1.075 cap hit. The move comes as a surprise. Klepov had committed back in 2024 to head to Michigan State University for the 2026-27 campaign. 

SIGNED: Our 2026 first round pick (15th overall) Nikita Klepov has signed a three-year entry-level contract.https://t.co/yfSvOCYK91

— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) July 25, 2026

Klepov was acquired via the trade of Mason McTavish to the St. Louis Blues in return for the Nos. 15 & 29 picks in last month's NHL Draft. Anaheim used No. 15 to select Klepov. 

Klepov made some history in OHL this past season, now signs ELC

He led the OHL in scoring this past season in his first year in junior hockey with 37 goals, 60 assists and 97 points. The 6-foot right-winger added another five points in four playoff games. He is only the third player in OHL history to win the scoring title as a rookie, joining Patrick Kane (2006-07) and Jack Valiquette (1973-74).

The 18-year-old Klepov will now try to step right into the pro ranks with the Ducks this September. 

Ducks GM Pat Verbeek, in fact, said earlier this week, "Klepov might have a chance to fast-track to the NHL.

"We just like his compete level. We like the drive that he has to score goals, and right now, it's just a matter of getting him stronger (6-foot, 180 pounds), because there's a lot of really top-notch athletic ability with this player as well." 

That being said, if he doesn't crack the Ducks' roster out of camp this fall, he will head back to the Saginaw Spirit of the OHL. 

Klepov has dual Russian/U.S. ties: he was born in Florida while his parents were visiting relatives, but he spent much of his youth in Moscow.