decoding Nikita

If Nikita Filatov’s bid to gain meaningful minutes with the Blue Jackets this season wasn’t among the most intriguing storylines of training camp it certainly is now.

Filatov told a Russian publication that he’s receiving lucrative offers to play in the Kontinental Hockey League, but that he wouldn’t consider them unless he was getting little or no ice time with the Jackets this season.

You can’t read his comments without at least thinking he’s using the offers as leverage to secure second- or third-line minutes from coach Ken Hitchcock. Filatov has no interest in returning to minor-league Syracuse for a second season and likely has little interest in being a 6- or 7-minute a game player in Columbus.

Full Story Here