Kristian Epperson
2024-25 Team: Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
Date of Birth: May 16, 2006
Place of Birth: Mequon, Wisconsin
Ht: 6-feet Wt: 185 pounds
Shoots: L
Position: LW
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2025 second-year eligible
Rankings
- NHL Central Scouting: 45th (among NA skaters)
- Future Considerations: 67th
- Baracchini’s Top 96 March Rankings: 44th
- Bob McKenzie (TSN): 77th
A second-year eligible prospect, Kristian Epperson, has taken his all-around game to another level this season. After spending last season with the United States National Team Developmental Program (USNTDP), Epperson joined the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and the Saginaw Spirit. The Spirit initially drafted him back in 2022 in the fifth round of the OHL Priority Selection Draft. The first thing that sticks out about his game is his non-stop motor. He is all over the ice, trying to make plays and set himself and his teammates up for scoring chances in the offensive zone, and he has become a solid defensive player.
In the offensive zone, Epperson has no problem going to the dirty areas of the ice to make a play. If there is a play out in front of the net, and he is on the ice, there’s a strong possibility he is right on the doorstep. He is looking for a rebound or a tip past the opposing goalie whenever possible. His play in front of the net does not stop once the whistle blows, as he is not afraid to mix it up when given the chance. When he has the puck on his stick, he constantly moves around the offensive zone to try and find a lane for a shot or a wise pass to a teammate. His numbers this season jump off the screen, thanks to being paired up on the top forward line for the Spirit alongside Michael Misa for most of the season. His overall offensive game is lacking and is tied to his skating. His skating mechanics are a bit unorthodox, as he stands a bit more straight up, and it limits his explosiveness at times to make a quick move or to keep himself protected against being knocked off the puck.
Related: THW’s 2025 NHL Draft Guide
Defensively, he has shown to be a responsible player in his end of the ice, not leaving the zone too early and staying engaged with his match up, mainly coming in the form of a defenseman. His skating once again does limit him at times to make a quick enough move to close out on opponents if they go to make a move around him, but overall, he has proven to be a sound defensive forward. This has helped him become one of the Spirit’s better penalty killers alongside Misa, chipping in six shorthanded points (three goals, three assists). However, he sometimes gets in a bit of trouble defensively due to his stick awareness.
Other THW Draft Profiles
Kristian Epperson – NHL Draft Projection
After being passed over in his original draft year last year, Epperson has become one of the OHL’s best second-year eligible draft prospects. He can be an early-to-mid third-round selection this year if he can finish strong with Saginaw.
Quotables
“Epperson was passed over at last year’s draft in Vegas, but he’s making the most of his draft plus one year playing in Saginaw. Epperson’s offensive production has gone to an entirely new level. He’s contributed 18G-36A and finds himself skating in the top six forward group and the top power play unit for the Spirit. He’s detailed defensively (plus-35) and displaying the ability to beat opponents one-on-one off the rush.” – Jason Bukala, Sportsnet
“Kristian is a highly skilled, competitive, natural goal-scoring winger who will thrive in our style of play,” said Drinkill. “We can’t wait to get started with him.” – Saginaw Spirit GM Dave Drinkill
“This season with the Spirit, he’s showing just how well he sees the ice, and he has the passing skill to connect on the ideas that his high IQ grants him. He can connect with teammates through traffic, as well as over and under sticks, or through triangles, finding his targets often in high-danger. Epperson has well-developed puck-skill and protection ability, and with how hard he is on pucks, he can barge through checks, even when he is being pinned to the boards.” – Trevor Curtis, Upside Hockey
Strengths
- High motor
- Offensive IQ and mindset
- Passing and playmaking abilities
- Physicality
- Defensive game has taken a step in the right direction this season.
Under Construction/Improvements to Make
- Skating mechanics are a bit unorthodox, limiting his explosiveness at times.
- Control of his stick when trying to make a play on the puck.
- Protect himself from vulnerable positions. He exposes himself too much on the ice and gets beat up quite a bit.
NHL Potential
As someone who should find themselves being a third-round selection this year, Epperson has the potential to become a bottom-six forward in an NHL lineup if his development continues like it has this season. He has shown he can play well with top-tier players like Misa and Igor Chernyshov. He can also serve as a second-unit penalty kill player at some point in his career.
Risk/ Reward Analysis
Risk: 2/5 Reward: 3/5
Fantasy Hockey Potential
Offense: 6/10 Defensive: 5/10
Awards/Achievements
- 2022 U17 Hockey Challenge Gold Medal (USA)
Kristian Epperson Stats
