"Nik Antropov signed with the Thrashers as a free agent last July with the plan to center the team's top line alongside Ilya Kovalchuk.

Kovalchuk is gone, traded to New Jersey at midseason, but Antropov, in his stead, is putting up career-best numbers.

Antropov had a goal and an assist in Tuesday's win over the Buffalo. Entering Thursday's game with Ottawa, he leads the Thrashers with 59 points, which matches his career-high set last season with Toronto and the New York Rangers. His team-high 40 assists are 10 better than his previous high. His current plus-17 rating is also the best of his career.

In the 14 games since Kovalchuk was traded, Antropov has 17 points (six goals, 11 assists) and has taken 32 shots."