SAGINAW, Mich. (WNEM) – As the Saginaw Spirit prepare for their final preseason game on Sunday, September 13th against the Soo Greyhounds, four of their players are headed to NHL Rookie Camps and preseason tournaments across North America.
(F) Jacob Cloutier – Winnipeg Jets (7th round, 2024)
Cloutier just finished his second full season with the Spirit in 2025-2026. He finished the year with 22G-25A—47P in 64 games, establishing a new career-best in assists, powerplay goals (8) and points-per-game (.73). Cloutier and the Jets will participate in the 2026 Prospect Challenge a the Centre Slush Puppie in Gatineau, Que. On September 12th and 13th. Link: Winnipeg Jets Prospect Challenge Release.
(F) Brody Pepoy – Toronto Maple Leafs (6th round, 2026)
The Spirit signed Pepoy to an OHL Standard Player Agreement at the beginning of last season after he attended training camp as a free agent. He responded with a 16G-13A—29P season in 67 games. The Clarkston, Michigan native was picked 169th overall by the Maple Leafs at this summer’s NHL Draft. Toronto will participate in the 2026 NHL Prospect Challenge at the Centre Slush Puppie in Gatineau, Quebec, facing the Ottawa Senators on Saturday, September 12 at 6:00 p.m. before taking on the Winnipeg Jets on Sunday, September 13 at 1:00 p.m. Link: Toronto Maple Leafs Prospect Challenge Release .
(F) Nikita Klepov – Anaheim Ducks (1st round, 2026)
Klepov was the fifth top-15 pick from the Saginaw Spirit at the NHL Draft since 2020, giving them the most such selections of any team in the CHL. Klepov was the Eddie Powers Trophy winner as the OHL’s top scorer (37G-60A—97P). Jim Mahon Trophy winner as its top right-winger, and the Emms Family Award winner as its top rookie. He signed his entry-level contract with the Ducks this summer. The Ducks will play in the 2026 Rookie Faceoff in Irvine, California on September 12th and 13th. Link: Anaheim Ducks Rookie Faceoff Release
(G) Brady Knowling – San Jose Sharks (4th round, 2026)
Knowling enters his first year of OHL competition after two seasons with the U.S. NTDP. A Toronto, Ontario native and dual citizen, Knowling made an appearance for Team USA at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championships. He also won gold with Team USA at the Hlinka Greyzky Cup in 2025. The Sharks will host the 2026 Rookie Faceoff at Sharks Ice San Jose from September 12th-15th. Spirit alumni Michael Misa and Igor Chernyshov will also be in attendance. Link: San Jose Sharks Rookie Faceoff Release
(G) Stepan Shurygin – Tampa Bay Lightning (6th round, 2026)
Shurygin led the Ontario Hockey League in games played (59) and saves made (1704). A year after his first draft-eligible season, the Lightning Selected him 186th overall in 2026. The tandem of Brady Knowling and Shurygin gives Saginaw its first pair of NHL-drafted goalies on the roster simultaneously since 2006. Link: Tampa Bay Lightning Prospect Showcase Release
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