Saginaw forward Nikita Klepov (16th-ranked North American skater per NHL Central Scouting) recently broke the Spirit’s rookie scoring record of 74 points set by Cole Perfetti (WPG) in 2018-19. Klepov now has 75 points (31G 44A) on the season. Also, Klepov was named the OHL’s rookie of the week for the week ending February 15 with 9 points (2G 7A) in 3 games. This is the fourth time he has garnered the honor this season.
Prince Albert forward Jonah Sivertson (88th-ranked North American skater) was named the WHL’s rookie of the week for the week ending February 15. Sivertson posted 6 points (3A 3A) and had a rating of +3 in 3 contests last week, and has been instrumental in the Raiders’ rise to the top of the WHL’s Eastern Conference. He will compete in the WHL Prospects game in Langley, BC tomorrow evening.
Peterborough forward Adam Novotny (12th-ranked North American skater) continues to capture everyone’s attention and accumulate accolades in his draft year. Novotny competed in both the CHL USA Prospects Challenge and the OHL Top Prospects Game. In the OHL showcase, Novotny captained Team East and was named its Player of the Game after scoring twice. Also, he was named Elite Prospects December Player of the Month, and helped Team Czechia to the World Junior Championship silver medal as an underaged player.
Tappara (in Liiga, Finland’s top pro league) forward Oliver Suvanto (3rd-ranked International Skater) is not only Finland’s top-rated draft prospect, he also is one of the youngest overall. Despite turning 17 years of age just several months earlier, Suvanto not only made Finland’s world junior team, he also contributed two goals in its quest for a medal. For the tournament, the IIHF named him one of Finland’s top three players. For Tappara, due to his efforts on both sides of the puck he is a mainstay in its lineup, competing as a center against professionals twice his age. Already possessing NHL size (6’3″ 210 LBS.), he has accumulated 8 points (2G 6A) so far this season.