Looks like Hitch is ruining his development. As he did in Philly with Mike Richards and Jeff Carter.

Howson and Hitch not getting along, when it comes to Filatov it seems.

http://blog.dispatch.com/cbj/2009/11/filatov_returning_to_russia.shtml

Hitch>Filatov

If he wants to leave, then so be it.

I am also not sure how you can say he is "ruining" his development. If the kid cannot fight for pucks and play some D he WILL be another Zherdev (currently playing in the KHL). This isn't communist Russia; things aren't given to you, you have to earn them.

Here's something interesting.

I was at the game tonight. I saw Filatov leaving the stands, head down the steps and then leave the arena. He was dressed nicely, like all players are on game days. However, I've seen him in the stands before watching, and he NEVER leaves the arena. I found it odd that he was not joining the team after the game in the locker room. He seemed in very good spirits, happy about the win and laughing.

hopefully he gets his head screwed on straight and doesn't become another Zherdev... man that guy could handle the puck

Jackets still own his rights so may as well send him to Russia to get him some pt. Bring him back next year.

A girl I went to high school with is very good friends with several of the jackets, especially the younger ones. She talked to me about Filatov last night, and it appears it is pretty likely he is going back. Oh and she was the reason for him getting scratched for 3 games in a row about a month ago . Apparently, even professional athletes are late to work after having a late night hookup and not waking up in time.

He's going back. (confirmed)

And I doubt, he'll ever come back here.

I,'m fine with him going back and getting some playing time and build up his confidence, but I want him to work on his defense so he can come back next year and be a top 6 guy for us. Problem is, I don't see that happening in Russia.

As for him becoming the next Zherdev,, not gonna happen. He is already more involved with the team than Zherdev ever was. Plus he can speak English and knows and admits what he has to do to play more.

He'll be back. He'll get enough of a chip on his shoulder to come back next year and light up training camp if for no other reason than to say, "There, SEE?"

Rather have him developing his skills than sitting on the bench in C-Bus.