Nikita Filatov

Nikita Filatov

Nikita Vasilyevich Filatov (Russian: Никита Васильевич Филатов; born 25 May 1990) is a Russian professional ice hockey player who is currently a member of Salavat Yulaev of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). Filatov was loaned to HC CSKA Moscow of the KHL by the Ottawa Senators of the National Hockey League (NHL) in December 2011. Filatov was the top-ranked European skater by the NHL Central Scouting Bureau and was selected sixth overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. Prior to being drafted, he played for CSKA Moscow in their minor and junior hockey systems. He has played two seasons in North America, splitting time between the Blue Jackets and their previous AHL affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch. During the 2009–10 season, Filatov was unhappy with his situation in Columbus and was loaned to CSKA Moscow of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) for the remainder of the season. At the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, Filatov was traded to the Ottawa Senators. In December 2011, Filatov was again loaned to CSKA Moscow for the balance of the 2011–12 season.

Filatov has represented Russia in international hockey at two World U18 Championships, winning gold and silver medals, and three World Junior Championships, where he has won two bronze medals. He was named to the Tournament All-Star Team at the 2008 World U18 Championships and the 2009 World Junior Championships.