Adam Nightingale is assembling himself some sort of all-star roster for the 2026-27 Michigan State hockey season and it’ll be headlined by guys like Cullen Potter and No. 7 overall pick Chase Reid, but there will be several more fresh draft picks headed to East Lansing next season.
One of them is Nikita Klepov.
Klepov, who was born in Florida but grew up in Russia, was expected to go somewhere in the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft, but I don’t think anyone really saw him sneaking into the top 15 and being Michigan State’s second player drafted. I think everyone assumed that would be Ethan Belchetz.
Instead, Klepov was picked No. 15 overall by the Anaheim Ducks
The incoming freshman was caught off guard by the pick as well, but he said that he’s excited to join the Ducks’ organization and he’s ready to get to work. But first, he’ll likely be headed to East Lansing.
Hear from 15th overall pick, Nikita Klepov! 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/5BG3NaXuEM
— Michigan State Hockey (@MSU_Hockey) June 27, 2026
With the pick by the Ducks, they now have two Spartans’ draft rights after picking Swedish-Canadian Spartan Eric Nilson 45th overall in last year’s draft. It’d be fun to see those two teamed up in Anaheim, but first they’re going to chase an NCAA title together.
Adam Nightingale is stockpiling talent
How do you end a Frozen Four drought and compete for a national title? You add elite talent to complement an already-scary roster.
Klepov is the type of player who could help Michigan State get to the top of the spot.
The Russian forward was one of the prized recruits in Nightingale’s incoming class and he’s expected to be a key figure in Michigan State’s quest for a Frozen Four and, eventually, a national title.
The 6-foot-0, 187-pound lefty said that he’s a “skill forward” who can create a lot of scoring chances which is something that Michigan State could use after losing Porter Martone to the Flyers. He may not have the biggest frame like some of his fellow Spartan newcomers, but he’s going to make up for that with his craftiness and willingness to create scoring chances for himself and teammates.
I’m actually excited to see how him and Nilson work together after both being selected by the Ducks in back-to-back years. The forward (Klepov) and center (Nilson) could combine to be one heck of a duo in the green and white. Nilson is coming off a relatively quiet freshman season with 11 points in 35 games, but many believe he’s in line for a breakout.
Klepov, too, could be a star on the 2026-27 Michigan State team, assuming he makes it to campus before Anaheim decides it needs him right away.
Michigan State fans should be thrilled to welcome him to East Lansing.
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