Chistov’s Return Unlikely

Mighty Duck officials had hoped to bring Stanislav Chistov, the team’s first-round pick in June, to training camp next season. But that is looking more and more unlikely.

Chistov, a small but talented left wing, was the fifth overall pick.

He was ordered home by officials from Avangard Omsk, his team in Russia, after the draft and placed in the military.

Chistov was taken by the Moscow Militia last month to play for the army team in Moscow. The Russian deputy minister of defense ordered him to be returned to Omsk.

But Chistov does not appear confident he will be returning to Anaheim any time soon.

“I need to play and develop,” Chistov said in Soviet Sport, a Russian publication. “But after what happened in Moscow, I am completely blind regarding my future.”

Chistov came to Anaheim after the draft to rehabilitate an injured knee.

“Anaheim agreed to draft me, but only under the condition that I would conduct rehabilitation in Anaheim,” Chistov said. “The argument was their experts were better. After a week, the [Omsk] management talked to me quite sharply. They called me a deserter.”

Chistov was sent to the sports regiment of the airborne forces.

TONIGHT

at Columbus, 4 PST

Site--Nationwide Arena.

Radio--XTRA (690).

Records--Ducks 6-9-3-0, Blue Jackets 4-10-4-0.

Record vs. Blue Jackets (2000-01)--1-3-0-0.

Update--The Ducks recalled defenseman Drew Bannister from minor league Cincinnati.