The Boston Bruins [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/boston-bruins] smartly elected not to trade their first-round pick ahead of the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline. With this, they have the 23rd overall pick of the 2026 NHL Entry Draft and will be looking to add an exciting prospect to their system. When looking at this year's draft class, one player who the Bruins should strongly consider selecting if he is available when they are on the clock is forward Nikita Klepov. Klepov is one of the most intriguing prospects from this year's draft class. The 6-foot right winger just had a monster year in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Saginaw Spirit, as he posted 37 goals, 60 assists, and 97 points in 67 games. His 97 points were also the most out of any player in the OHL, so it is clear that he has a ton of offensive skill. With the Bruins needing more skilled wingers in their top six, it would make all the sense in the world for them to select Klepov is he is still available when it is their turn to select. His offensive talent is hard to ignore, and he has all the tools to become an impactful NHL forward later down the road. Given the season Klepov just had in the OHL, it would not be surprising if he gets picked before the Bruins are on the clock. Yet, if he is available for the taking, it would be entirely understandable if the Bruins selected him. The idea of him playing with top prospect James Hagens down the road is an exciting one. Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see if Klepov ends up being the Bruins' first-round pick this year.
