With much of the focus on Grabovski, Hagman, Mitchell and Schenn (positive) and Hollweg and Blake (negative), I’ve heard suggestions that Nick Antropov has received a “free pass” from the media this season.

Let’s look at the numbers….

 

                                      GP      G        A        Pts     +/-

2007 – 2008 (with Mats):     72      26      30       56     10

2008 – 2009 (no Mats):       19      7        8        15      5 

 

Based on points per game, big Nick is on track for a better season than last year.  If he were to play 82 games this season, he’d likely end up in the top 40 in the league in points (top 10^th percentile)….not too shabby without a #1 centre to play with.  Also, he’s maintained his year over year positive +/- rating.

 

While I too would like to see Nick get to the next level (top 25, point per game guy?) and provide more on ice leadership; at $2M per season and the success achieved last year and year-to-date, he will be a valuable asset to trade.  If that is the plan, they might want to do so sooner than later considering he is a UFA next year.  If not, re-sign so as not to lose the playing or tradeable asset.

 

LT

Agree - Nicky is having a nice season so far although he still is a pretty lousy skater. We should trade him this year while he is valuable.

Even the folks out here in LA know that he sucks! Let's hope he gets dealt soon..

Thanks TSM - I'm honoured that you read my blog!

Your pals in LA LA Land thought you were referring to a new Starbucks coffee from Kazakhstan...

LT

PS: "...he sucks"...you're starting to sound like the exaggerating Toronto Sports Media.

by the way - makes you think twice about the value of Mats if Stajan can put up similar numbers with Poni and Nick...