Nikita Klepov will not be part of Michigan State's future roster after signing an NHL contract with the Anaheim Ducks. The move came just one day after he was officially announced as a member of the Spartans' 2026-27 roster, creating a sudden change in plans for the program.
Michigan State hockey has become used to seeing players move on to professional opportunities, but this case stands out because it happened before Klepov ever suited up for the Spartans. Based on the available details, he had been part of the school's incoming freshman group before the Ducks finalized his entry-level agreement.
The signing means Anaheim adds a young prospect to its system while Michigan State loses a player it expected to have in a future recruiting class. For the Spartans, it is another reminder of how quickly roster outlooks can shift when NHL teams step in.
For Klepov, the decision sets him on a professional path immediately instead of a college route in East Lansing. For Michigan State, the announcement closes the door on a planned addition before his college career could begin.
