Nik Antropov : From Bust to "In Nik We Trust?"

Nik Antropov, the former whipping boy of the Maple Leafs should soon be getting the praise he deserves.

The 2007-2008 season was a breakout one for Nik Antropov, even if it was a disappointing one for the Maple Leafs. The 6'-6", 250 pound forward from Kazakhstan notched 26 goals and 30 assists, accumulating 56 points, and was a +10 last season. He showed what potential he had while showing his ability to put the puck in the back of the net.

Antropov was selected 10th overall in the first round by the Maple Leafs in 1998. He was expected to be a big time player and possibly a strong cornerstone in their franchise. However, injuries had slowed down his career and caused him to miss a lot of games. In eight seasons with the Leafs he has played in 446 games and has 104 goals, 141 assists for 245 points.

Last season, he played in 72 games and while he was still injured he wasn't out for too long. He still played a physical game and seemed more mobile last season compared to previous ones.

Not to mention, he was suspended for three games on a questionable call, so if he hadn't had missed those games those numbers may be a bit better.

Still a 26 goal season where 18 was his career high, is a great sign and even his highest point total was 33 and he passed that mark as well. If you look at the past three years for Nik, you see improvement and with all the injuries he's had that's a great thing for the Maple Leafs.

With Mats Sundin pretty much done in Toronto and quite possibly the NHL, that leaves Antropov as the No. 1 center on the Leafs. The only way the Leafs will have a chance at the postseason is if Antropov's continues to improve his numbers or at least continue to have a few 25-goal seasons.

Leaf fans who had ridiculed Antropov and called for him to be traded in the past will need to rely on this guy and support him this season, because Nik is going to be the one carrying this team to the postseason.

It remains to be seen if Sundin leaving will have an impact on Antropovs' play, we'll have to wait and see if he can produce on his own and put up big numbers.

It's been a long ride for Antropov's and his career with the Leafs is quite a tale. He's no longer the big bust he was made out to be, he's now the guy to trust in Toronto.