“Teams love productive wingers, and Klepov meets every requirement. The projected first-round pick is a tremendous playmaker and maybe one of the best in the CHL. But he’s also a stout shooter and wasn’t far off from reaching the 40-point barrier. It was surprising, given he only put up 31 points in the USHL the year prior. 

The Michigan State University commit plays with a ton of finesse, but he’s physically strong, too. He’s just an OK skater, but Klepov should still go high because magic tends to happen when he’s in control of the puck on the attack.”

“Klepov is fantastic with the puck on his stick, especially on the power play. He’s ultra-creative and exhibits patience when making plays. He uses elite puck skills along with sneaky-quick feet to buy himself time and space while opening up lanes to release shots, or find others in better areas of the ice. Although he finished just shy of 100 points, Klepov led the entire OHL with 97 points, a rarity for a first-year player in the league.”

“It will be very interesting to see which team steps up to select Klepov. I can see a scenario developing where a club in the top 12 calls his name much earlier than where I have him ranked. There’s no doubt Klepov’s elite element is his skill. He’s a play driver who craves the puck on his stick and is exceptionally dangerous ripping it from the weak side flank on the power play. His recent 10-game segment has revealed a spike in his ice time and more responsibility overall.

There have been several nights where Klepov has been deployed over 25 minutes and used in all situations. He will never be described as elite defensively, but he’s a threat to score shorthanded and has contributed 36G-52A so far this year.”