Dark Horse: Stanislav Chistov

Stanislav Chistov LW-RW/BOS UPDATE Cheesy signed in Russia for this season. At 5' 10" 200 lbs he was considered small, but in todays NHL that is no problem. This former 5th overall pick in 2001 by the Anaheim Ducks was traded to Boston this season for a vending machine that would not give you change back.

Chistov was expected by many to make the Ducks roster this season, but a disappointing camp and a lack of understanding of the North American game hurt him. He spent countless nights in the press box watching games leaving fantasy managers that drafted him irate.

ANH was too deep and too good for him to make the lineup and the disgruntled forward was shipped out of town. Many a manager snagged him up fast when they saw he went to BOS and drooled over the idea of a kid with that speed and skill playing with Savard or Bergeron.

Chistov struggled with the defensive system Boston was running, like all bruins not named Savard, and he was hit with minor nagging injuries. The inspiring thing her is he didn't complain like in ANH, he worked hard and dug his skates in. For Chistov to shine he needs key power play time and he didn't get it. He still worked hard and looked great many nights despite limited ice time.

This Dark Horse might be worth a ride next season. His skill level is sky high and he takes bad penalties. If he sees real power play time next year or finds himself on one of the top two lines he could become a fantasy monster.