After sitting in the press box for the first two games of the season, Nikita Klepov is poised for a personal highlight on Wednesday.
The Anaheim Ducks' first-round pick in this year's draft (15th overall) was on the team's third line at morning skate, a sign that he make his NHL debut against the Edmonton Oilers (10 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. MT, Sportsnet West, Sportsnet+).
The former Saginaw Spirit star had planned to play NCAA hockey at Michigan State this season, but changed his mind after being taken by the Ducks and signing his entry-level contract.
Klepov, 18, was the OHL's top scorer and rookie of the year last season when he had 37 goals and 60 assists in 67 games.
The American-born, Russian-raised winger can play up to nine games with the Ducks before his entry-level contract kicks in.
He can't play full-time in the AHL, though he could end up there on a conditioning stint. There also is the option for the Ducks to return Klepov to the Spirit, who are expected to be a top team in the OHL this season.
Klepov will be the fifth 2026 first-rounder to make his NHL debut, following No. 1 Gavin McKenna (Toronto Maple Leafs), No. 2 Ivar Stenberg (San Jose Sharks), No. 5 Alberts Smits (New York Rangers) and No. 8 Viggo Bjorck (Winnipeg Jets).
