Anaheim Ducks ink Saginaw Spirit forward Nikita Klepov to three‑year entry‑level deal
The Ducks signed incoming Michigan State freshman forward Nikita Klepov, ending his immediate college eligibility and adding a high‑scoring junior to their prospect pool.
- Nikita Klepov, a Saginaw Spirit forward, signs a three‑year entry‑level deal with the Ducks.
- The contract voids his upcoming freshman season at Michigan State.
- Ducks view Klepov as a versatile, cost‑controlled forward for future depth.
- He will likely start the 2026‑27 season with the AHL's San Jose Barracuda.
Top prospect Nikita Klepov, a forward for the Saginaw Spirit of the Ontario Hockey League who was set to begin his freshman year at Michigan State, has signed a three‑year entry‑level contract with the Anaheim Ducks. The deal ends his eligibility to play for the Spartans this season and places him directly under the NHL organization’s development system.
Core developments
The Ducks announced the signing on Tuesday, confirming a three‑year entry‑level contract that follows Klepov’s impressive junior campaign with the Spirit, where he posted strong offensive numbers. Source: NHL.com The contract, filed with the league, adheres to the standard entry‑level terms for a player of his age, though the exact salary and performance bonuses were not disclosed publicly. Source: Yahoo Sports
Klepov had committed to Michigan State University earlier this year and was slated to join the Spartans as a freshman. However, the NHL contract supersedes his collegiate commitment, meaning he will not appear on the Spartans’ roster for the upcoming season. Source: The Detroit News The Spartans’ athletic department confirmed the change, noting that Klepov will instead report to the Ducks’ minor‑league affiliates for further development. Source: Spartans Wire
In addition to the contract announcement, the Ducks highlighted Klepov’s background: a Russian‑born forward who moved to North America to play junior hockey, he was selected by the Ducks in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft (fifth round, 134th overall). Source: Canadian Hockey League His size (6‑1, 200 lb) and two‑way play style were cited as key attributes that fit the organization’s emphasis on versatile, puck‑moving forwards.
Why it matters
The signing signals Anaheim’s continued investment in building depth through the draft and junior ranks rather than relying solely on free‑agent acquisitions. By securing Klepov early, the Ducks lock in a player who could become a middle‑six forward within the next two to three years, providing cost‑controlled talent in a market where salary‑cap flexibility is prized. Source: NHL.com
From a college‑hockey perspective, Klepov’s decision underscores the tension between NCAA eligibility and the lure of professional contracts. Prospects who have already committed to college programs often face a crossroads when an NHL team offers a contract before they step onto campus. Klepov’s move may influence other high‑profile recruits weighing similar choices, especially those drafted in later rounds who see a clear development path within an NHL organization’s system.
For the Ducks’ AHL affiliate, the San Jose Barracuda, Klepov represents a fresh injection of offensive skill. The Barracuda have struggled to generate consistent scoring from the bottom six, and Klepov’s proven goal‑finding ability in the OHL could help bridge that gap while he adapts to the professional game’s speed and physicality. Source: WLNS 6 News
Reactions and viewpoints
Team General Manager Pat Verbeek praised the signing, stating that Klepov’s “work ethic and hockey IQ make him a perfect fit for the Ducks’ development model.” While the exact quote appears in the Ducks’ press release, the sentiment was echoed by several analysts who highlighted the organization’s track record of turning mid‑round picks into reliable NHL contributors. Source: NHL.com
Michigan State head coach Adam Nightingale expressed disappointment that the program will not see Klepov on the ice, but also acknowledged the player’s right to pursue a professional career. “We wish him the best and will continue to support his growth,” Nightingale said in a statement to the Spartans Wire. Source: Spartans Wire
From a fan perspective, reactions were mixed on social media. Some Ducks supporters celebrated the addition of a “high‑potential forward” who could eventually bolster the roster, while a contingent of Michigan State fans lamented the loss of a talented freshman who could have contributed immediately to the Spartans’ offense. Source: The Detroit News
What’s next
Klepov is expected to report to the San Jose Barracuda’s training camp later this month. There, he will be evaluated against other prospects and veteran players for a spot on the AHL roster. If his transition proves successful, a call‑up to Anaheim could be on the horizon during the 2026‑27 season, especially if the Ducks encounter injuries among their forward corps.
Meanwhile, Michigan State will need to adjust its recruiting strategy to fill the void left by Klepov’s departure. The Spartans have a deep pipeline of junior players and may look to bring in an additional transfer or freshman to maintain offensive depth for the upcoming NCAA season.
For the Ducks, the signing is part of a broader roster‑building timeline that includes other recent prospects such as forward Mason McTavish and defenseman Mason Mount. As the organization approaches the 2026‑27 season, the cumulative impact of these young players will be a key storyline in evaluating the franchise’s progress toward becoming a playoff contender.