- Nikita Klepov is expected to make his NHL debut for the Ducks against the Oilers
- The 2026 No. 15 pick sat as a healthy scratch for Anaheim’s first two games
- Read below for the video of Klepov talking about his debut
Nikita Klepov is about to get his first taste of NHL hockey, and he gets Connor McDavid on the other bench.
Chris Johnston reported Wednesday morning that the Ducks’ 15th overall pick is expected to make his NHL debut tonight when Anaheim hosts the Edmonton Oilers at Honda Center:
Klepov watched the first two games from the press box as a healthy scratch. Anaheim won both of them, 4-3 in Vegas and 3-2 in overtime against Florida.
He’s projected to play right wing on the third line with Nikita Nesterenko and Ryan Poehling.
The 18-year-old was asked about the night ahead after the morning skate. He didn’t sound rattled.
“Very excited, especially (my) first game,” Klepov said. “Just play my game, don’t really overthink it, and just be myself.”
Catch Klepov talking about his debut:
Joel Quenneville explained the wait before the season opener in Las Vegas. The Ducks coach pointed to the size of the opposition on those first two nights.
“Well, it’s early, and we’re going to get him in a game here real soon,” Quenneville said. “He’s 18. There’s some big guys on our opponents tonight. It’s a different night than maybe some other teams.”
Anaheim paid a real price to land him. The Ducks sent Mason McTavish to St. Louis on draft night for the 15th and 29th picks, then used No. 15 on Klepov.
His junior résumé explains why. Klepov led the entire OHL with 97 points (37 goals, 60 assists) in 67 games for Saginaw, and he did that as a rookie.
In July, the Florida native signed his three-year, entry-level deal, which ended his Michigan State commitment. That leaves two options this season. He’s too young for the AHL, so it’s either Anaheim or back to Saginaw.
Born in June 2008, he’s getting the call less than four months after his name was read at the draft:
Tonight’s opponent adds some juice. Anaheim knocked Edmonton out in six games in the first round last spring, and the Oilers (2-0-1) have been waiting for this one.
McDavid comes in with nine points (two goals, seven assists) through three games. Puck drop for Klepov’s first NHL game is set for 7 p.m. PT.
