Chistov headed Stateside

Stanislav Chistov is en route to Providence, where the former No. 5 overall pick hopes to get back into the Boston fold.

Chistov is still under suspension, but the winger, jettisoned by his Russian Super League team earlier this year, may dress for the P-Bruins this season.

GM Peter Chiarelli said that while there's no room for Chistov with the big club this season, he wants to give him another look to evaluate whether he can play the North American game.

However, Chiarelli must go through a hearing with the AHL for Chistov to be cleared for action. There is an issue because Chistov played in Europe after Dec. 15, which Chiarelli explained is a cutoff date established by the AHL. Chiarelli said there is a chance Chistov's bid to return could be denied by the AHL.

Chistov will be a restricted free agent after this season. Chistov would have earned $800,000 in the NHL this season, but he most likely made more than $1 million in the Russian League.