Eighteen-year-old forward Nikita Klepov has signed a three-year rookie contract with the Anaheim Ducks. The move comes after he was selected 15th overall in the NHL Draft this summer.
Anaheim announced the signing on Saturday. Klepov, the team's first pick in the draft, had been expected to play college hockey at Michigan State next season. The contract instead opens the possibility of him competing for a roster spot directly with the NHL club this fall.
Klepov recorded 37 goals and 60 assists in 67 games for the Saginaw Spirit in the OHL last season. He led the league in points and became only the third player in OHL history to win both Rookie of the Year and the scoring title in the same season.
General Manager Pat Verbeek has indicated that Klepov may have a faster path to the NHL than originally planned. It remains unclear whether he will secure a spot on the Ducks roster or begin the season at a lower level.
