Nikita Klepov

ANALYSIS
Klepov led the OHL in scoring with 37 goals and 97 points in 67 regular-season games with the Peterborough Petes in 2025-26 -- he's the first rookie to do that since Patrick Kane. Klepov is great with the puck and has excellent vision. And he isn't afraid to shoot. Klepov is held in high regard -- in this year's OHL coaches poll, he was ranked the most dangerous player in the goal area and best shootout shooter in the Western Conference. He's not big, but he's not small either. But at 6-feet and 180 pounds, Klepov can be pushed outside. He will build strength as his body develops. He has the skills to work with the first power-play unit in Anaheim and play in the top six. Klepov won't be a star. But in an ideal situation, he becomes JJ Peterka, the Buffalo version -- not the Utah one. Worst case? Klepov turns out to be a middle-six winger who skates with the No. 2 power-play group.