Columbus Blue Jackets winger Nikita Filatov is returning home to Russia. 

It was reported Tuesday Filatov, 19, has signed a contract with CSKA Moscow of Russia's Kontinental Hockey League, with the blessing of the Blue Jackets. 

The deal allows the young winger, who struggled to adjust to head coach Ken Hitch**** demanding two-way style, to play the season in Russia, with the understanding he can return to the Jackets next season. 

Filatov's handling by Hitchcock has according to the Columbus Dispatch been an area of contention between the coach and GM Scott Howson, who selected Filatov sixth overall in the 2008 entry draft.

Expectations were high for Filatov to crack the Blue Jackets lineup this season and he was even touted as a potential rookie of the year candidate but his inability to play a responsible defensive game irked Hitchcock, who earlier this season compared the youngster to former Blue Jacket forward Nik Zherdev, another skilled offensive player who chafed playing Hitch**** two-way game. 

It's been suggested Filatov could return to the Jackets a more mature player next season but Chris Botta of AOL Fanhouse suggested the possibility he could become trade bait at some point this season or possibly in the off-season. 

That remains to be seen but if he once again struggles to adapt next season it's possible Howson might have to entertain offers.