Former Maple Leaf Antropov hopes for NHL return

Nik Antropov joined Brady & Walker to talk about his time with the Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets, and what it’s like playing in hockey-mad markets.

It’s been two years since Nik Antropov last skated in the NHL. The 1998 first-round pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs totalled six goals and 18 points in 40 games with the Winnipeg Jets in the lockout-shortened 2012-13 season.

The 35-year-old made an appearance at this week’s BioSteel camp in Toronto and is looking for another shot in the NHL.

“I have a year or two in me for sure,” Antropov said via the Toronto Sun. “We’re talking to a couple of teams, who I won’t name. My experience is huge (not to mention he’s still 6-foot-6). I know the game has gotten a lot faster, which is why I’m at this camp. We’ll see where I end up.

“If anything comes up, I’ll be grateful. If not, I’ll have to think about what’s going on.”

Antropov has spent the last two seasons with Astana Barys in Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League. The native of Ust-Kamenogorsk, Kazakhstan scored 15 goals and 47 points in 75 games.

In 13 NHL seasons with the Maple Leafs, New York Rangers, Atlanta Thrasers-Jets franchise, Antropov compiled 193 goals and 465 points in 788 games.

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