# 28

[puckhogg]

from espn today.....

We thought Nikita Filatov was ready to return to the NHL after bolting for the KHL in the middle of last season. In fact, new coach Scott Arniel has said he really like FIlatov's game, and GM Scott Howson has hinted that Filatov will be back.

But Yahoo Sports' Dmitry Chesnokov found a website where Filatov is answering questions, and one fan asked him if he's returning to the NHL next season.

Filatov's answer: We'll see.

Perhaps there are still things to be worked out, but it certainly is unsettling for Jackets' fans to hear their potential star forward to be so noncommittal about his return.

[dasnut]

So are we not worthy enough to get a straight forward answer? "IF" that's the attitude he wants to have, then I don't want him on this team.  It will be interesting to see what happens with this kid.  Maybe the KHL has really gotten into his head and told him how great he would be if he stayed in mother Russia instead of playing in North America...I would hope they trade his arse asap "IF" this is truly the case, only problem is, his stock couldn't be ANY LOWER right now!

[puckhogg]

i understand your concerns....but remember that it was a fan who asked the question...probably a fan of the team he plays for in the khl...maybe,just maybe he was being diplomatic in his answer to the khl fans and not anything more...

also i couldn't find the original article,so it may have been translated from russian and something could have not translated in the way it was meant

[CORUPTWJ]

I think we will learn a lot when Wright heads to Russia to meet with Filatov.  Of course I still say if the kid really wanted to play with us next year, he should be back in the states spending time with the rest of the team.

[dasnut]

It will be nice to know the truth sooner rather than later. And I concur with Coruptwj, he should be here now working his arse off with his current teammates that are here.  Hey, I'm all for the kid coming in here and helping contribute to the team, but as of today he hasn't truly proven otherwise.  Just would be nice to know one way or the other so we can move forward.  Maybe we'll know in a "few months" once Wright's "visa" clears...you know like right around the start of the season!!!! LOL! Since when did you need a "visa" for a week visit/vacation?

[puckhogg]

if fedor had visa issues, i would think that tyler's would be more difficult

[puckhogg]

update.........

UPDATE: Filatov told Chesnokov he's coming back next season. He's already talked to Howson but not to Arniel.

[hidden_gem]

update.........

UPDATE: Filatov told Chesnokov he's coming back next season. He's already talked to Howson but not to Arniel.

Maybe he was posturing a little?  Kinda like, "hey, I have options, so I want to get some playing time if I come back"...possibly!

I think he will be here, and I think this new regime (totally opposite of Hitch) will have him on the #2 line shooting like crazy!  Umberger - Vermette - Filatov????  Could make for an exciting year....offensively anyway!

[puckhogg]

this team needs filatov's goal scoring potential...how many times have you turned off the tv when the shootout begins?.....

[Tuskin]

Lets go back to the first game he ever played on the first line .. what did he do? SCORE!  later on when he got a chance to play on a decent line with voracek what did he do? GOT A HAT TRICK.. this kid is going to be a phenom

[dasnut]

I'm a BIG believer in his skills and ability, and hope he does come here and contribute.  I guess, I just don't want to be disappointed should he decide to stay across the pond and play in Mother Russia.  I don't think one person will argue that we absolutely need his talent here on this team, I just hope we find out a definitive yes or no very soon.

[Tuskin]

no doubt no doubt