Despite numerous reports suggesting the Blue Jackets may be forced to trade young sniper Nikita Filatov, it's now believed the team will hold on to him.
According to various reports, Filatov was not interested in playing under head coach Ken Hitchcock's system.
Yesterday, the Blue Jackets fired Hitchcock and replaced him with Claude Noel on an interim basis, prompting speculation that management will no longer be forced to deal away their prized top prospect.
TFP's David Pagnotta spoke briefly with Filatov earlier this week in Russia, but the 19-year-old would not discuss any topic surrounding the Blue Jackets, other than to say he enjoyed his time with the team.
Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson indicated that he wouldn't trade Filatov this season, but left the possibility open for a potential off-season move.
Filatov is now expected to return to the Blue Jackets next season and appears ready to earn his spot out of training camp.
