Blue Jackets suspend Alexander Svitov

The Columbus Blue Jackets have suspended forward Alexander Svitov for failing to report to training camp.

Svitov, 24, has chosen to keep playing for Avangard Omsk of the Russian Super League, despite re-signing July 2 with Columbus for two years and $2.25 million US.

"It is, procedurally, necessary to get him off the [salary] cap, and to preserve our rights as we move forward," Blue Jackets rookie general manager Scott Howson told reporters Thursday.

"There was some family pressure on him to stay over there. He is connected to the team through relatives, as well.

"He told me he just wanted to try it for a year. That is how it was left."

Svitov posted seven goals and 11 assists for 18 points with 185 penalty minutes in 76 games for the Blue Jackets last season, his third in the NHL.

He has totalled 13 goals and 37 points in 179 NHL games since being drafted third overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2001.