NHL Draft Surprise: Ducks Select Unlikely Gem In a shocking move that left many in the hockey world stunned, the Anaheim Ducks stunned fans by selecting Russian-born forward Kirill Klepov with their first-round pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. Despite having only one meeting with the team prior to the draft, Klepov's impressive skills and speed caught the attention of the Ducks' scouting department, who saw him as a potential game-changer for the franchise. Ranked No. 8 on NHL Central Scouting's final rankings of North American skaters, Klepov's selection has sparked excitement among Ducks fans, who are eager to see how the young forward will develop in the coming years. With his selection, Klepov becomes the latest international prospect to join the Ducks' roster, and his journey to the NHL is sure to be one to watch.

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 ...