Ottawa Senators: What Can They Expect from Nikita Filatov?

Nikita Filatov came to the NHL with much fanfare.

Before the 2008 draft, Filatov was considered the top ranked European skater by the NHL Central Scouting Bureau. He was eventually selected sixth overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2008 NHL Draft.

Filatov comes with great upside and is still only 21 years old. Independent scouting service Red Line report declared that Filatov was 'the next best thing to Steven Stamkos" prior to the 2008 draft.

Many consider him to be a mix of Ilya Kovalchuk and Maxim Afinogenov, where his strengths include skating and vision.

Filatov fell out of favor with the Blue Jackets and was subsequently traded to the Senators for a third-round pick prior to the 2011 NHL Draft. For that price, it was a steal for the rebuilding Senators.

In Ottawa, Nikita will get every chance to succeed.

He never was able to play much for the Columbus Blue Jackets and at the start of the 2009-2010 season Filatov made the team out of camp but did not play in six of the first 18 games of the season.

This angered the young Filatov, and after much animosity he was transferred to the KHL, where he blossomed.

So what can the Senators expect from the young enigmatic budding star, Filatov?

Well, with his skill-set, Filatov should be a top-six forward and could even be paired with Spezza on the wing. A right-handed shot, Filatov could be put under captain Daniel Alfredsson's wing as he gets acclimated to his new team.

Alfredsson would be a perfect mentor for Filatov.

He could show him the ropes and teach him what it means to be a great NHL player both on and off the ice. You could not ask for a better role model in that regard.

Moreover, I think Paul MacLean will do a great job in teaching Filatov and putting him in a situation where he can succeed.

With a lack of scoring on the roster, Filatov should get every opportunity to put up some points.

In his first preseason game with his new club, Filatov notched two assists against the rival Toronto Maple Leafs. So far, so good, for the young forward who is looking to build confidence in the NHL.

I boldly predict that Filatov will score 20 goals and will finish with 41 points on the season (barring injury). It will be a great learning season in the NHL for both Filatov and the Senators alike.