Showing posts with label success story. Show all posts
Showing posts with label success story. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Nik Antropov: A Toronto Maple Leafs Success Story
![nik antropov leafs](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5jiDxRDyoppNadBp14jDsSY1H_HEKbQ6GKVF6TikAbcWbk__PXm7zCfW56SisYBPRTT_bamMRmrqtbEaFT1yeGZF_W85ONJ2hsAqtXOyKa2AOOCnJG3e23oR0bJxw6_dZ3jfeiLo6nAk/s400/antropov.jpg)
Steve Sullivan was waived by the Leafs at the age of 26 and turned into a consistent 60-point player. Fredrik Modin was traded for Cory Cross in 1999 at the age of 25 and became an important component of Tampa’s championship team. The Leafs traded Jason Smith to the Edmonton Oilers, who he would later captain, in 1999 at the age of 26. Those aren’t even that bad. Russ Courtnall was traded to the Canadiens at the age of 24. I don’t think it’s healthy to continue this list, so we’ll stop there.
I always argue that if you reflect on past trades and potential draft picks you will drive yourself mad, regardless of your favourite team. I’m not trying to be a sadist, but discussing the Leafs' penchant for giving up on players is particularly relevant at this juncture. I know frustration is moutning with the regression of a few of the team’s young players (e.g. Mitchell, Schenn, Kulemin) and others' inability to even make the NHL roster (Tlusty). Thankfully, there have been no real cries from the fans to trade any of these players... yet. Fans must remember that these players are very young and developing into a full-time NHLer takes time.
The best example of sticking with a player, regardless of fan sentiment, is Nik Antropov. He is a true Maple Leafs success story.
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