Svitov suspended

Some minor CBJ news here but Alexader Svitov has been suspended:

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -Center Alexander Svitov, playing for a team in his native Russia, was suspended by the Blue Jackets on Thursday for failing to report to training camp.

Svitov signed a two-year, $2.25 million contract with the Blue Jackets in early July, but has since remained in Russia to play for Avangard Omsk of the Russian Super League.

"It's procedurally necessary to get him off the (salary) cap and to preserve our rights as we move forward," general manager Scott Howson said Thursday.

The 24-year-old Svitov, the third overall pick by Tampa Bay in the 2001 draft, had seven goals and 11 assists and was a solid player all last season for the Blue Jackets.

Howson was asked why Svitov would sign the contract and then stay in Russia.

"There was some family pressure on him to stay over there. He's connected to the team through relatives as well," Howson said. "He told me he just wanted to try it for a year. That's how it was left."

No real surpirse here. From what I understand if Svitov did report by today the Jackets would have had to honor the contract. I'd be surprised if we ever see Svitov in a Blue Jacket uniform again which is a shame as he really seemed to turn a corner last year. Apparently this is what he wanted to do so good luck to him.

-LTL