The Sudbury Wolves made a big move today as they selected Russian star Nikita Filatov with the first overall pick in the 2008 CHL Import Draft.
Months of speculation ended this morning when the Wolves picked the talented Russian at 9 am to kick off the draft.
"It has been a lot of hard work...to get one of the top young players in the world," Wolves head coach and GM Mike Foligno said. "This was an opportunity we just couldn't turn down."
The Wolves know exactly what they're getting in Filatov. The team's top brass - Foligno, vice-president Blaine Smith and owner Mark Burgess - all went to Russia in April to see Filatov and other top European prospects.
When there, the Wolves brass talked to the Russian player and his parents.
"We've seen him play, and he is an incredible talent," Foligno said. "We've talked with his representative and parents...they know who we are and what we're all about, and we know what they're all about."
Filatov was picked sixth overall at the recent 2008 NHL Entry Draft by Columbus. It's still up in the air as to where exactly Filatov will play in 2008-09.
There's a good chance he could be in a Wolves uniform.
"Nikita isn't physically as strong as other older players...a year of junior hockey will help him gain that strength to be resilient to injuries and allow him to make more of an impact at the NHL level."
Filatov, 18, scored 32 goals and added 34 assists for 66 points with 90 penalty minutes in 34 games with CSKA of the Russian Junior League during the 2007-08 season. He also saw action in five games with CSKA's Russian Elite League team and represented Russia at the 2008 World Junior Championships.
He tallied four goals and nine points with 10 penalty minutes and had a +7  rating in seven games to help Team Russia capture the bronze medal. Russia's captain, he led the team in assists, points and plus/minus rating.
"Nikita is a dynamic, offensive player who has played against older kids and excelled," said Columbus GM Scott Howson, in a team press release. "He has excelled in the last two or three years in all the international competitions against older players."
The Moscow, Russia native recorded nine points with 29 penalty minutes and had a +1  rating in six games during the 2008 World Under-18 Championships as Russia took the silver medal.
He was named to the tournament's All-Star Team as he led his team in assists and points. In the 2007 World Under-18 Championships, he tallied four goals and nine points with six penalty minutes and was +4 in seven games to help Russia claim the gold medal.
"Nikita is a leader, has a great attitude, excellent work ethic and tons of talent," said NHL Director of  European Scouting Goran Stubb on NHL.com.
"He has matured during the season and leads by example.  He is an excellent skater who can change pace, even at top speed. Despite his size, he still plays aggressive, taking and giving hits."
Filatov is considered a sure-fire NHL talent.
"He is a talented hockey player with a good technique and good speed, too," Under-20 Team Russia coach Sergei Nemchinov said on NHL.com. "He definitely has an NHL upside because he can score, is a well-rounded player and is responsible in the defensive zone."
Filatov considers himself a team player.
"I think I play like a play maker," he said on the NHL.com website. "I also like to play on defence.  I like to help the team to win the game.  I think I can give good passes and also I think I am fast enough so I can play left wing or centre forward, both good."
The Wolves then swung a deal with Mississauga, sending their 61st pick and a 2009 third round pick for the 22nd pick overall.
With that pick, the Wolves grabbed six-foot-five defenceman Sergei Sheleg, who played in Belarus this past season.
"We saw Sergei play as well," Foligno said. "He has a big shot from the point and is a physical presence. He's very competitive. We gave up a third round pick, but we feel it was worth it."
This now gives the Wolves three European players on their roster, with winger Patrik Lusnak being the third player.
Lusnak is expected back with the Wolves in the fall. Foligno has him tabbed to be one of the best players on the team. The Wolves will wait to make a move on which European players will suit up for them in 2008-09.
"We don't know how things will play out...we will make our decision when we have to," Foligno said.
Next up for Sudbury is getting draft picks from the 2008 OHL Draft signed with the club.
