In a surprise move that has left hockey fans buzzing, the Anaheim Ducks made a bold pick in the 2023 NHL draft, selecting talented young player Matvei Klepov with the 8th overall selection. Klepov, who had been steadily rising through the ranks of NHL Central Scouting's final North American skater rankings, had only previously met with the Ducks once before the draft. However, it seems that brief meeting made a lasting impression, as the Ducks took a chance on the skilled forward, who is expected to bring a fresh wave of talent to the team. Will Klepov live up to the hype and become a key player for the Ducks, or will this draft pick prove to be a risk that doesn't pay off?

Klepov, who was No. 8 on NHL Central Scouting's final rankings of North American skaters, had only met with the Ducks once prior to the draft, but when they called his name on June 26, one day before ...