Why Nik Antropov Needs To Be a Boston Bruin

Last night in New Jersey, the Boston Bruins dropped their 3rd game in a row. Something they haven't done since late October. With Petteri Nokelainen and Chuck Kobasew joining the list of injured Bruins along with Michael Ryder.

Injuries to the three RW's forced the Bruins to call up Martins Karsums and Vladimir Sobotka prior to last night's 1-0 loss at the Prudential Center.

The lack of depth at RW is clear when you look at the Bruins line-up. Once you get past Kessel on the first line the name's become reminiscent of the Providence Bruins. With guys like Karsums, Sobotka and Bitz in the line up the Bruins are clearly a less offensively potent team.

Their inexperience and lack of scoring is giving GM Peter Chiarelli a reason to call old friend and trading partner Brian Burke and get 6'6 forward Nik Antropov in a Boston uniform.

It's apparent Antropov's days as a Maple Leaf are nearing a close. That idea was reinforced by Leafs GM Brian Burke's quote last week. "From my standpoint, I don't see any reason to put a new contract offer on the table, as I think it might be time for a change of scenery.".

Burke and Chiarelli's history of making deals can only help the Bruins case in the race for Antropov. In the Chiarelli era, Boston has made deals with Burke three times. The latest move being the trading of right-winger and Robert De-Niro circa 'Taxi Driver' look-a-like Brandon Bochenski to Anaheim for defensemen Shane Hnidy. As Toronto moves forward with their movement towards rebuilding and youth the Bruins have the weapons to pull off a trade.

With Marco Sturm on the long-term injured reserve list, the Bruins have 3.5+ million dollars to work with for a trade. Antropov's current salary is at 2.2 million and with his contract expiring at seasons end there's no question that the Bruins could afford him. However, as is the case with most deadline deals the asking price could and will be the eventual deciding factor as to whether this deal gets done or not.

Antropov's stock has certainly been up and down this year. At one point, the 28 year old winger went 16 straight games without a goal. As of late however, he's turned it on; scoring goals in four of his last seven games.

Antropov's effectiveness on the powerplay also makes him an appealing target for the Bruins. When looking at Antropov's stats one might be weary of picking him a guy with a -15 but when looking at the rather awful goaltending the Leafs have had this season it should come as no surprise.

Antropov's stock is undoubtedly raised by his capability of being a center along with a right-winger. There's no doubt there will be many potential suitors for the career-long Maple Leaf but the Bruins may have just the right players to complete a deal.

If it meant gaining that offensive weapon and big forward the Bruins need to compete in the later rounds of the playoffs to maintain three or even four strong lines, one must think Chiarelli would pull the trigger.

As big of a risk as it may seem to give up a player like Vladimir Sobotka, Martins Karsums, Matt Lashoff or Matt Hunwick if it increases the chances of the Bruins raising their sixth Stanley Cup Banner and first since 1972 one would assume they'll pull the trigger.