Thu Jul 10 11:55:52 2008

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Blue Jackets sign first-round pick Filatov

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Columbus, OH (Sports Network) - The Columbus Blue Jackets signed left wing Nikita Filatov to a standard three-year entry level contract Thursday.

Filatov, just 18 years old, was the sixth overall pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

"We are very pleased that Nikita has made a strong commitment to play in North America as soon as possible," Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson said. "He is a dynamic, talented player with outstanding offensive instincts. We look forward to seeing him in training camp this fall."

Filatov notched 32 goals and 34 assists with 90 penalty minutes in 34 games for CSKA of the Russian Junior League during the 2007-08 season. He also represented Russia in the 2008 World Under-18 Championships, scoring three goals and tallying six assists en route to a silver medal.