By Eric Stephens, Times Staff Writer

The last time Stanislav Chistov was seen around these parts, the Russian winger was equal parts dazzling and befuddling.

Following a promising rookie season for the Ducks in 2002-03 that was topped by an impressive turn in the playoffs, Chistov struggled through a 2003-04 season in which he scored only two goals and 18 points in 56 games.

Now, the club's 2001 first-round pick is back in the NHL and insists he is a different player.

"I've got more maturity," Chistov said. "I'm two years older now. I'm 23. This is the time to be a player in the NHL. If not now, then when?"

Chistov played in the American Hockey League with Cincinnati during the lockout and spent last year in Russia when he and the Ducks, facing salary cap restrictions, could not agree on a contract.

Playing in his homeland, he scored 32 points in 47 games with Metallurg Magnitogorsk in the Russian Super League.

"It was a good year in Russia," Chistov said.

The left wing could help fill the scoring void created when Joffrey Lupul, who had 37 goals in the regular season and playoffs, was sent to Edmonton in the Chris Pronger trade.

That is, if Chistov plays to his potential.

"Players that are taken fifth overall will usually garner enough attention in itself," Ducks Coach Randy Carlyle said. "He's demonstrated the puck skills and the hand skills in the scrimmages. … But he's battling for a position."

Chistov, who'll play in tonight's home exhibition against the San Jose Sharks, knows that while he has changed, so have the Ducks.

"The atmosphere is the same but the management, they don't know me that much and I've got to push myself to play on this team," he said.