Nikita Filatov
Class 2008 – 1st round (6th overall)
Born: May 25, 1990 in Moscow, Russia
Height: 5-11
Weight:171 lb
Nikita Filatov finds himself on the list of offensively gifted forwards imported from Mother Russia, one that is not bolting for the KHL but possibly joining his NHL team.
A product of the CSKA Red Army hockey school, Filatov polished his game in Russia including a brief five-game stint with CSKA Moskva of the Russian Super League. He became the first European drafted in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft when the Blue Jackets selected him sixth overall. Filatov made his North American debut with the Syracuse Crunch that the same year and did not looked out of place. Soon after, he received an eight-game call up and promptly recorded a goal in his first game and then his first NHL hat trick five games (and a few months) later. The Blue Jackets are no doubt convinced of the young Russian's offensive ability and his demotion to the AHL was based solely on improving his defensive game.
Filatov creates opportunities for himself and his linemates every time he’s on the ice. He possess great acceleration and top speed, while his excellent skating ability makes him a flashy winger with NHL ready moves. Filatov has been working on becoming more effective in the traffic lanes and has also been working on establishing a physical presence; something he currently lacks. Filatov uses a deadly wrist shot, which accompanies soft hands to give him the combination of sniper and set-up man. He sees the game well and has a great hockey sense, allowing him to avoid the physical play, though he isn't intimated by it. Filatov uses his speed, vision and hands to be successful and should have little trouble making the transition to the NHL game and do so with consistently. The young Russian is expected to be one of the NHL’s future stars.
In fantasy hockey terms, Filatov is an ideal forward prospect that gives you 100% offence and is well worth investing in. He’s passionate about the game, has the ambition to play in the NHL long term and is likely not a KHL threat (though this remains to be seen in light of recent Russian returnees). He has the potential to join recent high profiled European breakouts.
Filatov will be in the NHL full time this season, and while he is no longer eligible for the Calder, he shouldn't be left too late in yearly drafts. It’s still too early to project his role within the Blue Jackets' system, but pairing up with Rick Nash is unlikely and Filatov may start his career at best as a second line winger, more likely filling the bottom-6 as a defensively responsible option with scoring upside. With the potential he possesses, the sky is the limit, but a lot of his future success will depend on the ability to fill into his frame in order to handle the rigours of an NHL season. This is a future 40-goal scorer and another elite Russian - keeper owners need to see if there is a still a buy-low window, because it will slam shut soon enough!!
NHL Translation: Offensive Forward
NHL Comparable: Sergei Fedorov
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