"It is possible that Nikita Filatov will be playing in Magnitogorsk, Moscow, or some other city in Russia's Continental Hockey League this season. It is equally possible that Rick Nash will be wearing a Maple Leafs jersey.
Filatov arrived in Columbus on Wednesday night. Today, he will have his physical, the first official task of Blue Jackets training camp. He will be watched closely because he is 19 years old, arguably the most talented player in the team's stable -- and unafraid to speak his mind.
Last month, Filatov caused a stir on two sides of the globe when he told a Russian journalist that he has interest in the Continental Hockey League, or KHL. Filatov said he had been approached by multiple team owners ready to throw some major rubles at him. He said that if the Jackets send him to minor-league Syracuse, he would have to think hard about playing in Russia.
Yesterday, after Filatov finished an informal workout, I sat down with him in the visitors' locker room in Nationwide Arena. He was candid and unapologetic.
"Why wouldn't I say this?" he asked. "If I am sent down, of course I might start thinking about it. The KHL is a higher league than the (American Hockey League)."
It is also in his home country.
"If the coach (Ken Hitchcock) doesn't want to see me here this year then it would be better to play in the KHL," Filatov said. "But, you know, I'm not even thinking about that. I'm thinking about the NHL, staying here, having a good camp. I'm not thinking about what happens in two weeks. I only want to stay here."
Provided he is at the NHL level, Filatov is due to make a base salary of $875,000 and up to $1.35 million in bonuses in each of the next three seasons. He could make more than $2 million a year, tax-free, in the KHL. Is he trying to force the Jackets' hand, somehow?
"I'm not smart like that," Filatov said. "If you are not playing good, then you're not on the team. That is how it works. Our coach has great experience. I don't think it's possible to change his mind with words. I'm just telling it to be honest to everyone and say what I think. That is better than to say things that are not there.""
