Five Columbus Blue Jackets Players Chosen For Olympic Teams
Nov 20, 2013; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Nikita Nikitin (6) shoots the puck against the Calgary Flames during the second period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Columbus Blue Jackets won 2-1. Photo By: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
While my opinion remains that Nikitin’s value on the ice has been hit-and-miss, he has also been named to the Russian Olympic team. His numbers are starting to look better, and it is my hopes that being named to the Russian team will fuel his fire throughout the rest of the season.
So far this season in 37 games played, Nikitin has 2 goals, 9 assists and a team-leading +10 rating.
Nikitin won a gold medal on the Russian team in the 2012 World Hockey Championship, where he had 4 assists. He also won a silver medal in the 2006 (under 20) World Juniors with the Russian team.