By JIM MORRIS

WHISTLER, B.C. (CP) - Forward Fedor Fedorov has always listened to some different music in his head.

If other hockey players are thinking Rolling Stones, Fedorov has Metallica blasting through his brain. If his teammates dream about a new SUV, Fedorov fantasizes about a Ferrari. No one doubts the six-foot-three, 180-pound younger brother of Sergei Fedorov has all the tools to be a great hockey player. Problem is, he often leaves them in the tool box.

The Vancouver Canucks won't say this year's training camp is Fedorov's last chance to make the NHL team. It's also clear the club's patience is running low with the 24-year-old enigmatic Russian who they took in the second round of the 2001 draft.

"We have a long time to make a decision," said coach Marc Crawford, sounding like a father with a troubled teenager.

"We're happy he decided to come back. There is no reason for me to comment on whether this is his last chance. This is a chance for him. We're all hopeful he will take strong advantage of it."

Fedorov isn't a big talker, but asked about his expectations this year he says all the right things.

"I want to play some hockey," he said, unlacing his skates after a practice.

"I'm just going to play the best I can. I'm excited the league has started up and I'm excited to be back in this atmosphere. That's all I'm worried about."

Fedorov has played just 15 NHL games over two seasons with the Canucks, managing a pair of assists. He argues he's never been given time to get comfortable at the NHL level.

"I don't think you can really get into the grove with two or three games," he said.

"I can't get experience with two or three games."

Last season Fedorov had seven goals and 14 points playing in 29 Russian Super League games with Spartak and Magnitogorsk.

"From last year I gained a lot of confidence," he said. "I know I can play hockey at any level now. I just want a chance."

Off-ice problems have followed Fedorov like a skunk's scent.

At the Canucks 2003 training camp in Vernon, B.C., he had one of the lowest scores in physical fitness testing. He compounded his problems by missing a practice session after failing to check for the right time.

Fedorov managed to stick with the Canucks for the start of the season but during a game day skate he blasted a puck at unsuspecting goaltender Johan Hedberg. The shot hit Hedberg on the ankle and resulted in him missing the start.

Sent down to Winnipeg, Fedorov responded by scoring nine goals in seven games. But around Christmas he was purposely left on the bench for 10 games by the club. The reasons were never officially explained.

Fedorov ended the season with 23 goals and 16 assists in 58 games.

Crawford isn't ready to give up on Fedorov, just yet.

"What we see from Fedor is that big strength," he said.

"This is what is going to be such a great opportunity for Fedor at this camp, to see if that size and that ability to dangle with the puck, like he can, will translate into scoring opportunities and him finishing those scoring opportunities."

Fedorov comes to camp a restricted free agent.

There's speculation the Canucks may try to showcase him during the exhibition season or at the start of the regular campaign in hopes of working out a trade.

It's doubtful Fedorov would take another demotion to Winnipeg. He's already signed a contract to be paid $450,000 US tax free with Magnitogorsk. The contract has an escape clause should he make an NHL team.

"I did that so I would have a backup plan if things didn't work out," he said.