Ducks Willing to Wait for Improved Chistov

The Mighty Ducks envisioned Stanislav Chistov as a future star when they made him their top draft pick four years ago. That scenario might still happen, but the talented young forward is out of the picture this season.

General Manager Brian Burke said Monday that the 22-year-old center, whose rights the Ducks hold, will play in Russia as he tries to restore the promise he showed as a rookie three years ago.

Chistov, the fifth overall pick in the 2001 NHL entry draft, was impressive in 2002-03 as he had 12 goals and 30 points. He had four goals in the Ducks’ run to the Stanley Cup finals that season, including the game-winner in Game 3 against defending champion Detroit in the first round of the playoffs.

A year later, the Ducks missed the playoffs and Chistov became a symbol of their disappointment. Chistov frustrated club officials with his work habits and unwillingness to shoot, and he was demoted in midseason to their minor-league affiliate in Cincinnati.

“I have not given up on Stanislav Chistov,” said Burke, who became general manager in June. “He had great promise when he arrived in the league. For one reason or another, it has not worked out for him until this time.

“We will watch him this year and watch his progress.”

Chistov, who had only two goals and 18 points with the Ducks in 2003-04, played in Cincinnati last season during the lockout and totaled 15 goals and 23 assists. He will spend this year with Magnitogorsk Metallurg of the Russian Hockey League.

“A guy like that has got to play among your top six forwards,” said Burke, who scouted him in Cincinnati. “I’ve not given up hope that this player will help us someday.”

The Ducks received permission from the NHL to postpone the deadline for restricted free-agent Ruslan Salei to accept his qualifying offer of $1.8 million as they try to sign the 30-year-old defenseman to a long-term deal.

Salei, who has spent his entire career with the Ducks, would become an unrestricted free agent after the season.

“I’m not sure we’ll be able to get anything done because of the salary cap situation, and it probably wouldn’t affect us much for this year,” Burke said. “The best way to say it is that we’re cautiously optimistic.”

The Ducks signed defenseman Mark Popovic to a one-year contract. Popovic, the team’s second-round pick in 2001, played 74 games with Cincinnati last season.

Center Samuel Pahlsson, a restricted free agent, did not accept his qualifying offer of $459,800. The team still retains his rights. “I want him back, but I’m not jumping off a bridge if he doesn’t come back,” Burke said.

The moves leave the Ducks a little less than $4 million under the salary cap. Burke said he would like to be at about $37 million in payroll -- $2 million below the cap -- when the season begins and left open the possibility that he will make a trade to free up more money.

“I’d still like to add some grit if possible,” Burke said of toughening up the roster, which he said happened with the acquisitions of left wing Todd Fedoruk and defenseman Jason Marshall. “I think our team is already harder to play against.”