Chistov still a Bruin, but for how long?

Douglas Flynn of the Boston Herald reports that Boston Bruins forward Stanislav Chistov is yet to sign with Salavat Yulayev of the Russia Elite League.

While rumors persist that Chistov is close to signing a contract with Salavat Yulayev of the Russia Elite League, Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli says that it’s not a done deal.

“Not that I’m aware of,” said Chiarelli when asked about Chistov’s reported signing in Russia. “I’m aware of the rumors, but not that he’s signed.”

Since the 24-year-old Chistov is still under contract with the Bruins, the club has the option of suspending him should he sign with an European team. That would mean that Chistov’s $800,000 salary would not count against the Bruins’ salary cap.

“We have the option to suspend him, and we’d certainly do that to retain our rights to him,” said Chiarelli. “We couldn’t prevent him from playing (in Russia), but we can suspend him and keep his rights.”

However, once he reaches age 27 Chistov could come back and “sign with another NHL club without any compensation going to the Bruins.”

“Eventually he’d reach an age were he would become an [unrestricted] free agent,” said Chiarelli.