"Blue Jackets coach Scott Arniel has demonstrated considerable patience with Nikita Filatov.

He has probably shown more restraint than some fantasy league owners with the second-line winger, who trails the knuckle-busting likes of Darcy Hordichuk and Derek Boogaard in goal scoring.

On the ice, statistics alone don't determine a player's value. It's why Arniel rarely mentions them in discussions with Filatov.

But with the season at the quarter pole and Filatov without a goal, his lack of production is becoming hard to ignore. On Friday, Arniel benched Filatov, who appeared nervous and bereft of confidence in a 2-1 loss to the Detroit Red Wings.

As the Central Division rivals meet again tonight in Detroit, Filatov is not guaranteed a spot in the lineup. Arniel said he would make that decision today, although he already has given Filatov's spot on the second-unit power play to Kyle Wilson.

"He's a goal-scorer and we need him to score goals, but I don't want to smother the kid," Arniel said. "In our 10-game segment meetings, I didn't say anything about scoring goals. He has played 20 games now. He's got to recognize that he's getting quality ice time, and he has to make the most of it. He's a guy we are looking for offense from."

Filatov does have seven assists, but the most telling stat linked to his modest scoring sum is his paltry number of shots on goal (24). His total is equal to that of checking center Sammy Pahlsson.

When Kristian Huselius suffered a high ankle sprain Oct.23, it afforded Filatov an extended opportunity to prove himself as a top-six forward. A month later, teammates are still trying to nudge him into the high traffic areas where risk and reward are their greatest.

"Every young player, myself included, has gone through that phase where you stay outside and don't drive hard to the net," captain Rick Nash said."