One-on-One With Nikita Filatov-Future NHL Superstar

Nikita Vasilyevich Filatov

Born: May 25th, 1990 in Moscow, Russia.

Columbus' first-round selection, sixth overall 2008 entry draft.

Stats

NHL—Columbus Blue Jackets: eight games, four goals, four points (hat trick vs. Minnesota in his sixth game)

AHL—Syracuse Crunch: 26 games, eight goals, 11 assists, 19 points

This young gentleman already has the skill set to step into the NHL and be a night-in and night-out point producer. As he grows into his 6’0'' frame and puts on some muscle, he will become a dominate force in the future in the NHL.

How did you feel when you were named Captain of Russia’s 2009 World Juniors team?

“It was unbelievable, I didn’t expect this, it was big honour!”

You’ve won the Bronze, Silver, and Gold medals for your country. Tell me about the Gold medal win.

“It’s unbelievable probably like, you can’t compare this to NHL games or anything.”

How tough was it to come so close to going back to the gold medal game in the World Juniors this year?

“Probably it was like, maybe, one of the most important games of my life, and oh woah woah, for the rest of my life I won’t forget this game!”

How did these experiences prepare you for the future?

“It was an exciting tournament, I really liked it, and you play against guys the same age as you, and they are good players”

Did you know there is are a whole bunch of hockey video’s of you on YouTube, and the highest viewed one I saw has 96,000 hits—that’s got to be pretty cool, right?

“I didn’t see this. Yeah of course, I’ve got to watch it!”

I understand you learned English from your Mother, and it's pretty good, but being such a young guy and so far from home do you miss your family and friends...not to mention your mom’s cooking?

“Yeah of course it’s difficult. All my life I was living in Moscow, but you know, I try to be in connection with them all the time on the Internet, and stay in touch with friends.”

Have your cooking skills improved?

“I am living alone, getting better!”

Having a couple other Russian players on the team, Maxim Mayorev and Andrey Plekhanov, did that help make the transition a little easier?

“Yeah, well of course. It’s like, you know, for me it’s good to speak in your native language, and it’s easier to joke, you know, so it’s much easier.”

Have any of your teammates given you a nick name?

“How the guys call me here? It’s like usually they call me Filly or Nikki”

What do you do for fun?

“I don’t even know. In Columbus, well, I just go out with friends or something like that, but in Syracuse, I just mostly stay in my apartment.”

Do you have a favourite T.V show?

“Here no, but in Russia yeah...but you wouldn’t know it.”

How old were you when you started playing hockey?

“I was six years old”

Which guy on the Syracuse team here has helped you adjust to North America the most?

“I don’t even know you know. I came first to Columbus, so like, of course first over there the guys helped me a lot. For example, Derick Brassard, first time I came here I spent a lot of time with him, and he helped me a lot. In Syracuse, I just more spend time by myself in my apartment.”

Kids in Canada play a lot of hockey at outdoor rinks, did you grow up playing a lot of outdoor hockey in Russia?

“No, only indoor.”

Every kid who grows up watching and playing hockey dreams of playing in the NHL. How did you feel playing in your first game in the NHL for Columbus this year?

“Yes it was like unbelievable. I didn’t expect it in the summer even. I just was remembering all those moments, how I was small and grow up and watching NHL games, and like was dreaming about it, and then when I got called up played my first NHL game, big emotions!”

I hear you took the bag of hats collected from the ice after you scored a hat trick against the Minnesota Wild in your sixth game in the NHL.

“I didn’t get it!” 

Nikita joked and smiled during this whole interview while chewing Hubba Bubba bubblegum. He’s a real fine gentleman at the young age of 18 (now 19), and is sure to be a spokesman for the NHL in the future, and the endorsements should come rolling in for this kid.

I know I’m looking forward to seeing him back up in the NHL. Good Luck Nikki! I’ll be cheering for you bud!