By Eric Stephens

Stanislav Chistov's return to the Ducks hasn't been what he anticipated when he signed a two-year contract in July.

Chistov has yet to play in six games this season, having been a healthy scratch along with veterans Travis Green and Ian Moran. With the Ducks' current logjam at forward, the 23-year-old winger has to wait until someone plays their way out of the lineup.

"I just have to work hard and practice hard so when I get a chance, I'll be part of the team," Chistov said. "Just have to stay in shape. That's all I can do. I can't do anything else. The coach controls who plays."

In bringing him back after one season with Metallurg Magnitogorsk in his native Russia, Chistov was expected to win a job and help make up the scoring void created when Joffrey Lupul was sent to Edmonton in the trade for Chris Pronger.

Rookie Ryan Shannon was impressive throughout training camp, effectively taking Chistov's spot. Shannon has yet to score his first NHL point, but Coach Randy Carlyle has said he was satisfied with the youngster's performance so far.

At the moment, Chistov is a non-entity.

"I don't usually make remarks on players that are not in the lineup," Carlyle said. "I'd rather discuss the players that are in the lineup. In talking previously, we felt the personnel that is in the lineup had earned their opportunity and their continuing service."

Chistov said he struggled in camp because he was adjusting to a new system.

"It was tough," he said. "I spent one year in Russia and it's kind of different hockey there. I think I had to get used to [Carlyle's system]. Now I think I understand what the coaches want from me.

"When I first came, I didn't know where to go on the ice. Now I'm used to it."

On Wednesday, Carlyle suggested that Chistov has been doing his part in practice.

"If we feel that there's a player that isn't holding up his end of the bargain, then we would not worry about taking that player and putting him on the sidelines," Carlyle said.

"We know that our players out of the lineup have worked extremely hard and made a commitment to getting themselves better and putting themselves in a position to be ready when called upon."

Until then, Chistov waits and wonders. Because he is signed to a one-way NHL contract, he would have to pass through waivers before being sent to the American Hockey League.

"I understand if we're 6-0 and you don't want to change anything," he said. "I guess it's something else. "