"The Blue Jackets have assigned left winger Nikita Filatov to minor-league Springfield, The Dispatch has learned. Winger Tom Sestito will be recalled and is expected to dress against the New York Rangers on Saturday.

Filatov's U.S. agent, Don Meehan, told The Dispatch that Filatov will report to Springfield and play for the Falcons. He would not make any further comment.

Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson said he's been considering a demotion for Filatov for at least the last week. Despite playing in 23 games -- many of them on the Jackets' No. 2 line -- Filatov has no goals and seven assists. Even on the power play, Filatov has failed to be a dangerous player, and seems to be shying away from contact, not wanting the puck.

"Nikita's strength as a player are his speed and his ability to create offense and score goals," Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson said. "We haven't seen any of those things in the last two or three weeks. His confidence has suffered.

"It's time for him to get to a place where he can regain his confidence and rediscover the strengths of his game.""