Attached is a great article by The Hockey Writers providing much insight into the young career of Team CHL forward Nikita Klepov. Currently, Klepov has 32 points (14G 18A) for the OHL’s Saginaw Spirit, good for a 99-point pace. The attachment advocates for him being a first-round pick, which already may be a foregone conclusion. NHL central scouting lists Klepov as an A-rated prospect, and he is ranked in most mock drafts as a first-rounder.
What may be the most interesting thing about the 6 foot tall, 181 pound Klepov is his path to get to the OHL and his representation of both the CHL and the United States at various times. Born in Deerfield Beach, Florida, Klepov is a dual citizen of both Russia and the US. After competing for his Russian youth teams through 2022-23, he then came to North America to continue his hockey career. After playing midget hockey in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, PA in 2023-24 and part of 2024-25, he competed for Sioux City of the USHL for the remainder of that latter season. Klepov made the jump to the OHL this season after Saginaw made him the 35th pick in the 2025 CHL Import Draft. (Americans are not considered CHL imports unless their parents’ full-time residence is outside North America, as determined on a case-by-case basis). Also, Klepov competed for Team USA in this season’s Hlinka Gretzky Cup tournament, tallying 6 points (1G 5A) en route to helping the Americans capture the gold medal in Czechia/Slovakia.
Klepov will be on the move again in 2026-27, as he is committed to Michigan State University next season.
https://thehockeywriters.com/nikita-klepov-should-be-a-1st-round-pick-in-the-2026-nhl-draft/