Blue Jackets Sign 2008 First Pick

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Idle threats show weakness of new Russian hockey league
Published 7/10/2008 by Greg Wyshynski at Puck Daddy
If "Rocky IV" taught us anything, it's that Russia is rather obsessed with athletic dominance on the international stage. And with breaking Stallone. That too. So does anyone really believe that the Russian Ice Hockey Federation will punish any young player who leaves the country for a North American minor league with a four-year ban from the Russian National team? For example, if the Amanda Bynes-ish Nikita Filatov, who just agreed to a three-year entry level deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets today, blossoms quickly into the next Pavel Bure, will the Russians refuse his services in international ...

Jackets Sign Filatov!!
Published 7/11/2008 by Bethany at Bethany's Hockey Rants
Well, they actually signed him yesterday, but, whatever.  As you remember there was a bit of drama, which made me grow to hate the KHL.  But, Nikita is signed, and is ours, and will be playing in North America THIS hockey season.  Nikita has the potential to play in the NHL this season, and will be in Columbus as soon as he gets his work visa. “We are very pleased that Nikita has made a strong commitment to play in North America as soon as possible,” said Howson. “He is a dynamic, talented player with outstanding offensive instincts. We look forward to seeing him in training camp this fall.” Scott Howson, General ...