Penguins' Draft Prospect Profiles: Nikita Klepov

June 1, 2026 - 05:37

The Pittsburgh Penguins continue their draft prep with a look at a raw but intriguing Russian forward. Nikita Klepov is not a household name among this year's prospects, but his style of play could fit a team looking to add some sandpaper and two-way potential in the middle rounds.

Klepov spent the past season developing in the Russian junior leagues, where he stood out more for his physical engagement than his scoring totals. He is a center who plays a heavy, straight-line game. He finishes his checks, battles hard along the boards, and shows a willingness to go to the dirty areas in front of the net. His offensive numbers are modest, which is why he is not projected to go in the first round, but scouts note his hockey sense and his ability to disrupt the opposition's flow.

At 6-foot-1 and around 190 pounds, he has a frame that can add more muscle. The main question surrounding Klepov is his skating. He has a choppy stride and lacks top-end speed, which could be a problem at the NHL level. However, if he can improve his acceleration and edge work, he has the tools to become a reliable bottom-six forward. He is also committed to playing in North America next season, which will give scouts a better look at how his game translates.

For the Penguins, who are trying to restock their prospect pool with versatile, hard-working players, Klepov represents a potential value pick in the later rounds. He might never be a star, but he could develop into a useful, physical depth center.