Nikolai Aleksandrovich Antropov (Russian: Николай Александрович Антропов) (born February 18, 1980, in Ust-Kamenogorsk, U.S.S.R., now Oskemen, Kazakhstan) is a professional Hockey centre in the National Hockey League who plays for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Antropov was expected to be drafted early in the 2nd round but following a dominant season with Kamenogorsk in the second-tier of the Russian Super Liga he was drafted 10th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft.[citation needed] Before going overseas to play hockey in North America Antropov also played in the Russian Super Liga with Dynamo Moscow.
When Owen Nolan joined the Maple Leafs in March 2003, Antropov changed his number from #11 (Nolan’s number in San Jose) to #80, the year of his birth. In 2003-04 Leaf coach Pat Quinn formed a line with Joe Nieuwendyk, Alexei Ponikarovsky, and Antropov. This line, was dubbed the “Skyline” because of the players’ height.
During the NHL lock-out of the 2004-05 season he returned to the Russian league and played 36 games split between Ak Bars Kazañ and Lokomotiv Yaroslavl.
Antropov’s skating ability has been criticised strongly in the Toronto media, as has his unfortunate history of injuries, including three knee operations before his 25th birthday.[citation needed]
Despite his critics, Antropov has developed into a very capable NHL hockey player.[citation needed] Nik was given responsibilities on the first penalty-killing unit of the Toronto power play with Alexei Ponikarovsky beginning in 2003-04 and has excelled in this more defensive role.
Antropov’s skating improved significantly during the lockout year, and he appeared ready to break out.[citation needed] Injures once again felled the Kazakhstani forward however, and he missed significant time during the 2005-06 season. While healthy, Antropov managed to produce 12 goals and 19 assists for 31 points in 57 games.
Upon Nik’s return from injury, he added 15 points in the final ten regular-season games of the 2005-06 NHL season. Antropov finished third on the team in even-strength scoring and also led the Leafs in +/- with a +13 rating.
Although injury prone Antropov has excellent stick handling abilities and is capable and willing to use his size advantage and to create room for other players and stand in front of the net. Antropov usually plays on the first or second line. He sees regular time playing with captain Mats Sundin as well as time on the power play and penalty kill.
In 2006-2007, Antropov typically played alongside team captain Mats Sundin and Ponikarovsky on the top line.
On June 6 2007, the Maple Leafs announced they had signed Nik to a two-year contract extension.