"Center Derick Brassard had known for weeks that Nikita Filatov was unhappy with his role on the Blue Jackets and wanted to return to Russia.

At first, Brassard tried persuading his friend to give the situation more time. Injuries were inevitable, he told Filatov, and ice time and opportunities would increase.

But within the past week, Brassard's message changed as he realized Filatov was intent on going home.

"I told him if you do it, do it with class," Brassard said. "Don't go away saying anything that will make people mad at you. I think he handled it well."

Yesterday, Filatov flew home. The Blue Jackets agreed to loan him to CSKA Moscow of the Continental Hockey League for the remainder of season.

Touted as an NHL Rookie of the Year candidate, Filatov left the Blue Jackets after just 19 games. A season after scoring a hat trick in his sixth NHL game, the winger had two goals and no assists.

Filatov found himself relegated to fourth-line duty under a demanding coach and was, perhaps, physically and mentally unprepared for the league's challenges on a nightly basis.

Instead of taking more time to adjust, Filatov chose to return to Russia, where he likely will receive ample ice time and a chance to strengthen his 6-foot, 175-pound frame.

"I think it was right for him to go back," Brassard said. "He will come back next year and be a better player, a more mature player."

Most teammates interviewed are taking Filatov at his word that he will return. They said his departure will not be a distraction.

"I know him well, he's my buddy, but one player doesn't make a team," forward Jake Voracek said. "He has left. We've played a lot without him, and we've done good."

The Jackets (11-6-2) are off to their best start in franchise history. The players, though, concede that Filatov's considerable talents will be missed."