Former NHL first-rounder Nikita Filatov retires, chooses new career path

Nikita Filatov, a former sixth overall draft pick in the NHL and a once highly touted prospect, has retired from professional hockey at the young age of 30. Filatov, who left the NHL during the 2011-2012 season and never returned, has decided to become a hockey agent and will start as an assistant to Sergei Isakov, who has represented many notable clients in the NHL and KHL over the years.

Filatov was the top-ranked European skater by the NHL Central Scouting Bureau when he was drafted by Columbus in 2008. There was controversy surrounding him at the start as the KHL claimed that the Blue Jackets owed CSKA Moscow compensation of at least $1.5 million for signing Filatov. That claim was eventually dropped. However, Filatov would continue to court controversy. In 2010, Filatov demanded Columbus let him go back to the KHL as he was unhappy with his lack of playing time. The Blue Jackets eventually gave in and Filatov returned to CSKA Moscow. He returned to North America for the 2010-11 season, but played just 23 games in the NHL, spending much of his time in the American Hockey League. At the 2011 draft. Columbus traded him to Ottawa for a third-round pick. Filatov attended the Senators training camp and made the team, but received very little ice time in Ottawa. In December of 2011, Ottawa offered Filatov the chance to return to Russia for the remainder of the season. He accepted and never returned to the NHL again. At the end of the season, the Senators didn't make him a qualifying offer and he became a free agent.

Filatov would leave the NHL with just 53 games under his belt. He had six goals and 14 points in that span. Things didn't go a lot better in the KHL as he played for several different teams throughout his career. He did have one season with Tolyatti Lada (now a VHL team) in which he scored 60 points in 57 games and was named an All-Star. He followed that up the next year with a 48 point season. Outside of that, his career in the KHL was mostly unremarkable. He did not play in 2019-20 and has now announced his official retirement. He begins his work as Isakov's assistant immediately.

Source: Sports-express.ru

shownhl_10517_shownhl

MUST READ

21 minutes ago  |  By Danny Potvin Lindy Ruff erupts after Sabres steal Game 4, rips Jakub Dobes and referees

1 hour ago  |  By Danny Potvin Martin St-Louis sparks major controversy with decision after Game 4 defeat

2 hours ago  |  By Danny Potvin A major controversy breaks out after Canadiens-Sabres Game 4

3 hours ago  |  By Danny Potvin Oilers ownership stuns fans with controversial Stan Bowman decision

3 hours ago  |  By Danny Potvin A doctor's assessment of Ryan Poehling after this dirty late hit is alarming

7 hours ago  |  By Jonathan Ouimet Concerning news for the Ducks just dropped and the timing couldn't be worse

7 hours ago  |  By Jonathan Ouimet Behind-the-scenes info on the Oilers coaching change finally leaked and it's a stunner

8 hours ago  |  By Jonathan Ouimet Frightening injury just happened during the Habs vs Sabres game

MORE STORIES