Struggling Chistov Is Sent to the Minors

Stanislav Chistov left the Arrowhead Pond after the Mighty Ducks’ morning skate Friday, with an equipment bag slung over his right shoulder, a number of hockey sticks taped together in his hands and tears welling in his eyes.

Chistov, the poster boy for the Ducks’ offensive woes this season, was demoted to the team’s minor-league affiliate at Cincinnati. It’s hoped he will regain his touch and confidence around the net.

“Yes, of course,” Chistov said when asked if he was disappointed.

A revelation as a rookie last season, Chistov, 20, had one goal and 17 points in 46 games this season. He had 12 goals and 30 points in 79 games and four goals and six points during the Ducks’ run to the Stanley Cup finals last season.

“He’ll decide -- as players always decide -- if and when he returns,” General Manager Bryan Murray said. “He has no confidence around the net. This will only do him a world of good.... He was projected to be a top player for us this season and he’s floundered.”

The Ducks filled Chistov’s roster spot with Casey Hankinson, a winger who was promoted from Cincinnati. Hankinson was in the Duck lineup for Friday’s game against the Colorado Avalanche. It was his 15th NHL game.

“He’s getting rewarded for being a hard-working leader,” Murray said of Hankinson, who had 10 goals and 28 points in 45 games as Cincinnati’s team captain this season. “We’re trying to get more energy into our lineup.”

In addition, defenseman Chris Armstrong, who was recalled Thursday from Cincinnati, played Friday against the Avalanche. It was his fourth NHL game.