Anaheim Ducks return rookie Nikita Klepov to OHL after brief NHL stint
The Anaheim Ducks have sent rookie winger Nikita Klepov back to his OHL team, the Saginaw Spirit, following a four-game NHL appearance without a point. The 15th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft struggled with a minus-2 rating and limited offensive impact despite strong junior production. The move allows the Ducks to preserve Klepov’s entry-level contract while giving him more development time in the OHL.
The Anaheim Ducks have recalled rookie winger Nikita Klepov from the NHL and sent him back to his junior team, the Saginaw Spirit of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), following a brief four-game stint in October 2026 without recording a point. During that time, Klepov logged an average of 13:03 minutes per game, posted a minus-2 rating, and accumulated six penalty minutes. Selected 15th overall in the 2026 NHL Draft, Klepov was one of only five players from that draft class to make an NHL roster out of training camp, alongside top picks like Gavin McKenna (Toronto) and Ivar Stenberg (San Jose). His return to Saginaw follows a standout 2025–26 season in which he tallied 97 points (37 goals, 60 assists) in 67 games, including five points in four playoff contests. Prior to joining the OHL, Klepov played one season with the Sioux City Musketeers in the USHL. Daily Faceoff analyst Steven Ellis had ranked him as the top prospect in Anaheim’s system, praising his offensive instincts and potential as a secondary scorer. The Ducks’ decision preserves Klepov’s entry-level contract and allows for continued development in a competitive junior environment.
The move reflects a calculated approach by the Ducks’ front office to balance short-term roster needs with long-term player development. While the team has struggled recently—ranking fourth in goals allowed and fifth in the Pacific Division with a 5–7–1 record—the organization appears prioritizing player readiness over immediate resul
Klepov’s return to junior hockey underscores a broader trend in NHL front offices favoring long-term development over early promotion, especially for high draft picks with unproven NHL readiness. This decision may influence how other franchises approach similar cases, particularly when top prospects struggle in limited NHL action. The OHL remains a critical proving ground for elite talent, and Klepov’s performance there will be closely watched by scouts and analytics teams across the league. If he continues to produce at a high level, it could strengthen his case for a future NHL call-up—potentially even during the 2027 season. This situation echoes earlier cases like Connor McDavid’s initial adjustment period with the Edmonton Oilers in 2015–16, where limited ice time and developmental focus were used to manage expectations while maximizing long-term impact. While Klepov is not yet at that level, his path may mirror McDavid’s in terms of measured progression. The broader effect cou