UPDATE: Filatov to Russia--CONFIRMED per Columbus Dispatch

This blog posits it could happen.

http://blog.dispatch.com/cbj/2009/11/filatov_returning_to_russia.shtml

Rookie forward Nikita Filatov, who has struggled to remain in coach Ken Hitchcock’s lineup, might be headed back to Russia, perhaps as soon as this week, according to sources within and beyond the NHL.

Jackets general manager Scott Howson would not comment on a potential agreement allowing the 19-year-old Filatov to return to his former club team, CSKA Moscow. Nothing has been finalized, however, and Filatov and the Blue Jackets are expected to talk again today about the possibility of staying in Columbus.

It's a good read. He hasn't been a Calder-calibre player this season, but he hasn't been given much of a chance either. In many ways, it parallels Karlsson's experiences with the Sens. The BJs would, of course, retain his NHL rights.

Now, I'm generally opposed to dealing Volchenkov, but if we could work something out around those two (even with a first round pick on our side), I'd be on it like S*** on velcro.

@ASQ> interesting...thanks for picking this up.

Tom Reed and Aaron Portzline are usually a very reliable source for all matters Blue Jackets, so this report definitely has credibility.

Interesting that they refer to Zherdev. But what I've seen thus far from Filatov is someone with a better head on his shoulders, and certainly a more complete game if we refer to the WJCs.

Obviously, the Jackets' brass would be more aware of the intimate details of the situation. BJ fans seem to think Hitch has some sort of grudge against Filatov - although I can't imagine why.

asq2 wrote:Interesting that they refer to Zherdev. But what I've seen thus far from Filatov is someone with a better head on his shoulders, and certainly a more complete game if we refer to the WJCs.

Obviously, the Jackets' brass would be more aware of the intimate details of the situation. BJ fans seem to think Hitch has some sort of grudge against Filatov - although I can't imagine why.

Hitch has a set type of player he likes, anyone outside of that profile usually remains in the doghouse...sort of.

He's a great coach but stuff like this remains his downfall.

Filatov should be given top-six minutes in columbus or atleast a chance to earn them but the opportunity isn't there because of Hitch's hard-on for certain players.

You deal pretty much anyone outside of Cowen, Karlsson, and Lehner if you can get that kid if they would want a prospect back. I dont see The Jackets giving up on him, but man, if he was actually available, you get that done ASAP.

N4L wrote:You deal pretty much anyone outside of Cowen, Karlsson, and Lehner if you can get that kid if they would want a prospect back. I dont see The Jackets giving up on him, but man, if he was actually available, you get that done ASAP.

...but...who else do we have that's worth anything? Maybe Wiercioch, but for Filatov?

Ah, I see...Volchenkov would be the bait.

SpezDispenser wrote:

N4L wrote:You deal pretty much anyone outside of Cowen, Karlsson, and Lehner if you can get that kid if they would want a prospect back. I dont see The Jackets giving up on him, but man, if he was actually available, you get that done ASAP.

...but...who else do we have that's worth anything? Maybe Wiercioch, but for Filatov?

Who knows, but I would assume A Train would be pretty good bait. I dont think it would ever happen, but Filatov is going to be a goal scoring machien.

N4L wrote:
Who knows, but I would assume A Train would be pretty good bait. I dont think it would ever happen, but Filatov is going to be a goal scoring machien.

Oh yeah. Man, I'd love to stick that sucker right into our lineup for tonight's game. Here you go, top line with Spezza and Michalek for you, enjoy. Alfie - back with Fisher and Kovalev. Thank you, done and done.

M_Christopher wrote:

asq2 wrote:Interesting that they refer to Zherdev. But what I've seen thus far from Filatov is someone with a better head on his shoulders, and certainly a more complete game if we refer to the WJCs.

Obviously, the Jackets' brass would be more aware of the intimate details of the situation. BJ fans seem to think Hitch has some sort of grudge against Filatov - although I can't imagine why.

Hitch has a set type of player he likes, anyone outside of that profile usually remains in the doghouse...sort of.

He's a great coach but stuff like this remains his downfall.

Filatov should be given top-six minutes in columbus or atleast a chance to earn them but the opportunity isn't there because of Hitch's hard-on for certain players.

That's a little too graphic for some people.

Just in...

kuklaskorner
RT @Aportzline: Columbus Dispatch: Nikita FIlatov headed to KHL's CSKA Moscow on one-year loan agreement.

Wow, that's one kid I actually thought would stick in NA... that is not good.

davetherave wrote:Just in...

kuklaskorner
RT @Aportzline: Columbus Dispatch: Nikita FIlatov headed to KHL's CSKA Moscow on one-year loan agreement.

Hope he doesn't stay there for good. One year can lead to infinitum in Russia

M_Christopher wrote:

asq2 wrote:Interesting that they refer to Zherdev. But what I've seen thus far from Filatov is someone with a better head on his shoulders, and certainly a more complete game if we refer to the WJCs.

Obviously, the Jackets' brass would be more aware of the intimate details of the situation. BJ fans seem to think Hitch has some sort of grudge against Filatov - although I can't imagine why.

Hitch has a set type of player he likes, anyone outside of that profile usually remains in the doghouse...sort of.

He's a great coach but stuff like this remains his downfall.

Filatov should be given top-six minutes in columbus or atleast a chance to earn them but the opportunity isn't there because of Hitch's hard-on for certain players.

Hitch is like Jacques Martin. Only much fatter and with smaller ears.

Talk about setting yourself back at least a year. Dumb move. Wow!

I would be very disappointed if Karlsson pulled this too. Just stick with it, you know? Everyone else did it. What makes you any different?