In 61 games with the St. Louis Blues and Blue Jackets last season, Nikitin registered seven goals and 25 assists for 32 points.
He was traded by the Blues to Columbus on Nov. 11, 2011, in exchange for defenseman Kris Russell.
KHL teams are allowed to sign a maximum of three NHL players during the NHL's lockout, while a max salary has been imposed of 65 per cent of what they earn under their NHL contracts.
