Columbus Blue Jackets Interested in Nikita Filatov?

I just read this translation of Nikita Filatov's blog over on HF:

"I've arrived at Toronto on May 26. My work has began on the next day. In general, I'm having interviews with NHL clubs. I have to say that all meetings are the same. They all ask whether I'm ready to play in the AHL in the next season, to come to America this fall, and whether I have a contract with Russian club or not.

"I explain that I have no contract with CSKA and the rumor that I have contract up to 2011 has no ground. I speak in English with NHL representatives and had no problems with language whatsoever.

"I liked our meetings with representatives of Columbus, Rangers, and Florida. These interviews were informal with smiles, compared to other clubs were questions were as if it was an interrogation. By the way, representatives of Columbus has invited me to the ceremonial dinner. Does that mean that they've become favorites in drafting me? I don't know, I don't know..."

Here is the link.

I'm not sure what to think of this, but my first thought is if the big four d-men of Drew Doughty, Zach Bogosian, Luke Schenn, and Alex Petriangelo are off the board, maybe they are indeed considering drafting the young Russian.

Filatov is rated the No. 2 prospect in just about every ranking and some say his skill level is on par with the No. 1 rated prospect, Steven Stamkos.

Another thought is that it could be smoke screen to get teams ahead of them thinking they may be missing out on something, which would allow one of the big four to slide to the Blue Jackets.

Either way it's a great read and he seems like a really great kid. His stock could certainly be rising even further if he indeed has no contract with CSKA and, even more importantly, is willing to play in the AHL.

Columbus also interviewed Jimmy Hayes today, according to this article. He is the 63rd ranked prospect according to CSS.

No doubt Columbus interviewed all kinds of kids today, but it's fun to get a little more details on who and when.