Anaheim Ducks return Nikita Klepov to Saginaw Spirit

The Anaheim Ducks have announced the decision to return rookie winger Nikita Klepov to the Saginaw Spirit of the OHL. By sending the 18-year-old back to junior hockey, the Ducks avoid using a year of his entry-level contract.

Klepov, selected 15th overall in the June NHL Draft, appeared in four games for Anaheim this season. During that stint, he recorded no points, a minus-2 rating, and six penalty minutes while averaging 13:03 of ice time per game.

Klepov returns to Saginaw, where he recorded 97 points (37 goals and 60 assists) in 67 regular-season games during the 2025-26 season. He previously played for the Sioux City Musketeers in the USHL. Prospect analyst Steven Ellis has identified Klepov as the top prospect in the Anaheim pipeline.