When Klepov was drafted, Verbeek stated he may be on a “fast track” to the NHL. He was set to transition to the NCAA for the 2026-27 season, but the Ducks, instead, signed him to his ELC. He’ll now either play in the NHL or OHL this season. He led the OHL in scoring a year ago, so one may be inclined to believe he doesn’t have much to gain at that level anymore. However skilled, smart, and tenacious he is (and he is those things), he has some work to do to add to his 6-foot, 186-pound frame and learn how to translate what makes him a successful forward to the NHL level.
