Klepov has chance to 'fast-track to the NHL' with Ducks

The Anaheim Ducks traded forward Mason McTavish to the St. Louis Blues to acquire the No. 15 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, which they used to select 18-year-old Russian forward Nikita Klepov on June 26. Klepov, who was ranked No. 8 among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting, was described by GM Pat Verbeek as the key reason for making the trade. Klepov participated in the Ducks' development camp in Irvine from June 29 to July 1 and expressed excitement about joining the organization.