"Blue Jackets rookie forward Nikita Filatov, who has struggled to remain in coach Ken Hitchcock's lineup, might be headed back to Russia, perhaps as soon as this week, according to sources within and beyond the NHL.

Jackets general manager Scott Howson would not comment on a potential agreement allowing the 19-year-old Filatov to return to his former club team, CSKA Moscow. Nothing has been finalized, however, and Filatov and the Blue Jackets are expected to talk again today about the possibility of staying in Columbus.

At least one teammate has encouraged Filatov to give the situation more time before making a decision, a source said.

Neither Filatov, a healthy scratch last night against Edmonton, nor his agent, Don Meehan, would comment when contacted by The Dispatch. Hitchcock also declined to comment.

Meehan, who represents several Jackets, was in town over the weekend.

If Filatov, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2008 NHL draft, does play for his old Continental Hockey League team it would be with the understanding that he could return to the Jackets next season, according to multiple sources.

The Jackets would retain Filatov's NHL rights for several more seasons. He will still be a restricted free agent when his entry-level deal expires after the 2011-12 season.

Filatov has played in 13 games this season, averaging just 8 minutes, 6 seconds of ice time -- the third lowest behind forwards Mike Blunden and Jared Boll. The Jackets are off to their best start in franchise history at 11-6-2.

It's believed the handling of Filatov, a highly-skilled, but small winger, has become a contentious issue between Hitchcock and Howson, who drafted him.

Filatov has not drawn the ice time many anticipated. He was projected as a Rookie-of-the-Year candidate by several media outlets, based on his pedigree and success in a limited NHL role last season."