The team never really set him up for success and that is unfortunate. You can tell Nikita is a sensitive guy and needed confidence that the coaching staff never seemed to want to give him. Part of me wonders if there has been interest in Nikita from the Russian Olympic Federation about playing in 2018, hence the sudden bolt back to Russia? He would have to be active outside of the NHL to qualify for a spot on the team (Correct me if i'm wrong). As someone who has watched Nikita since his first season with Yekaterinburg and followed his progression closely I am disappointed with the way things have played out, but am hopeful that he will return down the road.
Damn, a tough season made just a little tougher. Wonder if Linden and Benning will be able to get all that egg off their faces in time for the draft?