Nikita Klepov, the 15th overall selection in the 2026 NHL Draft, has inked a three‑year, entry‑level contract with the Anaheim Ducks, a move that officially ends his collegiate eligibility and trims Michigan State’s projected roster to 25 skaters.
The agreement is unusual for a freshman prospect, as most top‑five picks wait until after their first year of college before turning professional; Klepov’s decision reflects a growing trend of elite prospects securing NHL terms before stepping onto a campus rink.
Klepov’s junior output in the Ontario Hockey League was prolific, topping the league with 97 points last season, a performance that had positioned him as a cornerstone for the Spartans’ offensive resurgence.
His departure leaves a void in Michigan State’s forward lines and forces the coaching staff to adjust defensive pairings, especially after recent exits of committed players such as Tyson Jugnauth, who signed with the Seattle Kraken in May 2025, and Ike Howard, who joined the Edmonton Oilers on July 8, 2025.
Roster Ripple Effects
The ripple effect extends beyond the roster count; the Spartans now rely on younger talent and internal prospects to fill the scoring gap, a shift that could influence their early‑season win total.
General manager Pat Verbeek, who oversees the team’s player development pipeline, emphasized the organization’s commitment to integrating fresh faces while maintaining competitive depth.
Fans and analysts alike are watching how the adjusted lineup will perform against traditional powerhouses in the Big Ten, with many speculating that the team’s chemistry could be tested in the coming months.
The NHL’s role in facilitating such early contracts underscores the league’s evolving approach to talent acquisition, a narrative that will likely continue to shape college programs across the nation.