Incoming Michigan State hockey freshman signs ELC with Anaheim Ducks

Cory Linsner, Spartans WireSun, July 26, 2026 at 3:09 PM UTC·1 min read

Just 24 hours after Michigan State hockey released their roster for the 2026-27 season, a major shake up has taken place. Incoming freshman Nikita Klepov will no longer be coming to Michigan State, instead, he has signed a three-year entry level contract with the Anaheim Ducks.

Klepov was the 15th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft by the Ducks out of the OHL's Saginaw Spirit, and while it was expected that he was going to play a year in East Lansing before going pro. plans have changed.

According to multiple reports, Klepov is going to have to make the Ducks NHL roster, because he will not be AHL eligible this season, meaning its Anaheim or it is Saginaw for the forward.

Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan State news, notes and opinion.

AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement

This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Incoming Michigan State hockey freshman signs ELC with Anaheim Ducks