USA Hockey

Fantasy Summary

A tenacious complimentary forward who uses his pace to elevate linemates.


Observations

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June 2025 – Selected 88th overall, Kristian Epperson is now a member of the Los Angeles Kings. Mark Henry

Final Rankings – Epperson rebounded in Saginaw after a tough year with the NTDP, reminding us of his strong forechecking, high energy, and transition skills. Though his poor stick discipline and underdeveloped offensive game are troubling, his pace and competitiveness make him a valuable, pesty third-line winger.—David Saad

June 2025 —Passed over in 2024 after a poor season for the USNTDP, Epperson immediately found a cushy role in Saginaw supporting Michael Misa’s transcendent season. Epperson’s speed and focused mindset quickly got to work, whether that was driving the net to knock in a rebound or tracking down pucks in the corner.

There was a reason Epperson wasn’t drafted last year. Despite marked improvements, all things being equal, playing on a line with the OHL’s most dangerous man (or, two of them, following Igor Chernyshov’s arrival) is perhaps not the best indication of his true talent. Epperson has speed in spades and a workmanlike mindset, but expecting him to fill a top-6 role like he did this season might be a step too far. A top-9/bottom-6 utility player is a fair expectation.—Luke Sweeney

Attributes
Fantasy Upside 7.0
NHL Certainty 5.5
Country USA
Position LW
Roster Type Junior
Shoot/Glove Left
Date of Birth May 16, 2006
Height 6‘0”
Weight 185 lbs
Drafted 2025 Round 3; Overall: 88
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Stats – Frozen Tools – Profile on FT

SeasonLeagueTeamGPGAPTSPIM+/-
2024-2025OHLSaginaw Spirit582753808745
2023-2024USHLUSNTDP Juniors32471140-4
2023-2024NTDPU.S. National U17 Team14257100
2023-2024NTDPU.S. National U18 Team427916461
2022-2023WHC-17USA U17632540
2022-2023USHLUSNTDP Juniors39131629302
2022-2023NTDPU.S. National U17 Team59182341400
2021-2022USA-S15Team Orange470700
2021-202215U AAAShattuck St. Mary's 15U AAA563961100460
2020-202114U AAAShattuck St. Mary's 14U AAA50375087630

Highlights