Big Nik in Big Apple

Toronto trades Nik Antropov to NYR for 2009 2nd round pick and a conditional draft pick.

Motivation:

Brian Burke made it clear that he would be moving Nik to the highest bidder at the deadline. He waited all-day Wednesday for that desired 1st round pick but in the end settled for New York's offer of a 2nd and conditional 3rd in 2010 (if Rangers make the playoffs, 4th if they do not). New York gets a big winger with skill to help get their lifeless offence going.

Fantasy Outlook:

Nik Antropov: Many thought Nik would disappear this year, no longer able to ride Mats Sundin's shotgun. Instead, Nik is on pace for a career-high 58 points getting top ice-time with a poor Maple Leafs squad. Nik has proven he can stay healthy and contribute over the past two seasons and should supply some secondary scoring for the Rangers. Look for Nik to finish with 6-8 goals and 12-14 points down the stretch. I could see him developing nice chemistry with Nik Zherdev and re-signing with the Rangers. Nik should be a decent mid-round selection next year but is a pending UFA so watch where he lands. Look for him to continue to put up 50+ points for the next few years.