ANTROPOV untroubled by TRADE RUMOURS and rehab coming along
Quote:
Rumours bounce off Nik
TORONTO SUN: Mike Zeisberger yesterday reported Maple Leafs forward Nik Antropov isn't bothered by recent rumours suggesting he might be dealt to make room for UFA forward Anson Carter, whom the Leafs are believed trying to sign. "I've never kept track of the rumours before, but I must have been mentioned 100 times in my career," he said."
Spector's Note: Antropov is supposedly going to be dealt to Chicago once the Leafs sign Carter, or at least that's what has been floating around over the past couple of weeks.
On the medical front, the lanky Maple Leafs forward three times has had his ailing knees operated on, the most recent coming on April 17.
He began skating about 10 days ago and has his sights set on being in top shape when training camp opens in five weeks.
"I feel okay. There is still a month and a half left, so there is still plenty of rehab to do," he said. "Every year, I say I will get used to (the rehab). I just hope to get through it injury free."
From the tone of his response to me it sounds like the injuries & rehab are taking there toll on Big Nik..
I'd actually like too see Nik as a 4th line centre next season. Much like Reichel. perhaps its time we put him where he can be the most effective for the longest period of time.
Best of luck to Nik. I really like him as a player and would like to keep him as a Leaf. He's at a bargain price of 1 million and he clearly wants to stay in Toronto.
Please say No to Carter and give Stajan a bigger role.
Hopefully Antropov can become healthy and has an injury free season. Best of luck Nik!
you have to have tough skin to play in TO. You'll never satisfy everyone and some fans will tear apart, say a Norris finalist, and give 20 reasons why he's crap despite the nomination.
Good for Nik, I hope he gets 75 games in this year. If not, maybe he should become the 13th forward.
You mention an area he has improved over the years.
Don't follow the flock, check the stats.
?? Uh... Last time I checked, he still gets hurt: his total of 57 GP last year is right on his average for 6 seasons (320/6 = 53 GP)... His PIMs last year (56 PIM in 57 GP) are right on par with his career average (317 PIM in 320 GP)
Watching him live is even worse than watching him on TV. He takes less of the stupid roughing penalties, but more of the stupid hooking penalties that get called every time now...
I will caveat this by repeating that I think that other than these two criticisms, he is a wonderful hockey player. I definitely have space for guys like him on my team.
?? Uh... Last time I checked, he still gets hurt: his total of 57 GP last year is right on his average for 6 seasons (320/6 = 53 GP)... His PIMs last year (56 PIM in 57 GP) are right on par with his career average (317 PIM in 320 GP)
Considering the crackdown on obstrution, I'm sure most expected him to revert back to his seasons of taking numerous bad penalties.
What started all this was the year he received 124 minutes in 72 games.
Check out other Leafs for their minutes per game.
Outside of his one bad year, it isn't a major concern.
Sure he still takes a few out of position penalties, where he hooks someone down just like other players.
I hope Nik comes back strong for us, I do really feel bad for the guy, he really has had no luck at all. We seem to have a couple bad luck guys in him and Carlo, and here's hoping both can overcome it and really contribute to the team this season. We need all the help we can get.
I'd be nice if Antropov could try to get a healthy season in. It's not that he's terrible, it's just that he can't get through a season healthy and he's bound to have another injury problem this year. Better to get him out before he finally goes down for the count.
I'd be nice if Antropov could try to get a healthy season in. It's not that he's terrible, it's just that he can't get through a season healthy and he's bound to have another injury problem this year. Better to get him out before he finally goes down for the count.
