Saturday, July 26, 2008

Filatov Contract Status?

According to The Hockey News, Nikita Filatov contract with his Russian Club Team, CSKA Moscow, was rewritten when the KHL was formed. I find it hard to believe that CSKA Moscow did things the right way. Filatov even said his contract was up and he was ready to head North America. Remember this is CSKA Moscow we are talking about. Or "The Red Army Team" that was known for playing against NHL teams and their roster was 90% of the USSR Olympic Team. It doesn't really surprise me that they are using their USSR tactics to control players.

This bad news for the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Sudbury Wolves. Both teams thought he would be in North America this year. There's still a chance he comes over but with no transfer agreement, things get complicated. I do believe the Canadian Hockey League and the IIHF has their own sperate transfer agreement but the compensation will be too little for Russia's liking. The KHL wants 1.5 million for Nikita Filatov and its highly unlikely for them to lower that price to the Sudbury Wolves.

Hopefully if Filatov is held against his wishes, he says no to them for the World Junior Championships come December. He has already drafted so why does it matter him? As of right now he suspended from IIHF competition but that ban should be lifted by December.

That's My Take

(Nathan also is a writer for MVN.com. He's the writer for the Asylum which covers the Lewiston Maineiacs of the QMJHL. He's also a regular contributor to the NHL Source also at MVN.com. He can be reached at fbbhgfan@aol.com)

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