Nikita Filatov Leaves Columbus for Russia
Columbus Blue Jackets rookie Nikita Filatov is a very talented player. A dynamite offensive talent, Filatov feels he's been held back by coach Ken Hitchcock's defensive mindset. As his agent said:
"[Blue Jackets Coach Ken] Hitchcock sticks to defensive hockey, and Nikita prefers more of an offensive game. It is a conflict of interest. Filatov is unhappy that he gets very little ice time."
Well, apparently, Filatov had enough. He left the Blue Jackets to join CSKA of the KHL. More specifically, the Blue Jackets transferred Filatov's rights to the KHL team on a one year loan. This is not the first time a player has been transfered. Not the first time it's happened to the KHL. But, because the NHL and KHL have frosty relations, and because there is no player transfer agreement, one has to wonder if an unfavorable precedent will be set. Will many young, talented, Russia want to go to the KHL if they are unhappy with their roles? Will they pull a Filatov and go to the KHL, where their money is tax-free? The NHL has to crack down on this, and form a policy that discourages young players under contract from going to the KHL, which is trying to become a competitor of the NHL. Can the NHL do it? Sure. Will they? Don't know. For those interested, here's an interview with Filatov on why he left.
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