More ice time in Kane's future

By Chris Vivlamore

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Evander Kane might soon be getting a few more shifts.

The Thrashers rookie, the No. 4 overall selection in this year’s draft, is making his head coach take notice with his recent play.

“He doesn’t seem like a rookie to me,” John Anderson said. “He makes a few young mistakes, but for the most part he’s gung-ho all the time. He’s chasing pucks, he’s strong on the wall and he has eight goals already -- not playing the power play. I’m going to have to find him some more ice time.”

Kane averages about 15 minutes per game. He does see some playing time on the penalty kill.

With 13 points (eight goals, five assists), Kane is tied for ninth in the NHL among rookie scorers. As of Saturday, his eight goals were just three behind rookie leader John Tavares, the No. 1 overall pick of the New York Islanders.

Familiar foes

Kane will return to Vancouver this week, making his professional debut in his hometown. Make no mistake, Kane had the Dec. 10 date circled on his calendar.

“I am looking forward to it,” Kane said. “I’m looking forward to playing against the team I watched growing up. ... Right when the schedule came out, I looked to see when -- or if -- we were playing them.”

Also this week, a pair of former Maple Leafs will return to Toronto to face their old team as the Thrashers play three games in Canada. Nik Antropov and Pavel Kubina will face the Leafs on Monday.

“It’s going to be interesting, back where I spent most of my career, almost 10 years,” said Antropov, who signed with the Thrashers as a free agent this summer. “It’s going to be special for me. I know a few guys. I’ve played with them, now I’m going to play against them.”

“I spent three years there,” said Kubina, who was traded to the Thrashers in the offseason. “There are a lot of changes, a lot of new guys there. I’m happy where I am right now. We’re playing some good hockey lately. I’ll take it as every other game.”

‘Kid, shut up’

This week the NHL Insider caught up with Thrashers forward Marty Reasoner for an off-ice Q&A. Here are some of his thoughts, including his meeting with the Russian Five.

Q. What was your Welcome to the NHL Moment?

A. I was playing against the Detroit Red Wings when I was with St. Louis. I was playing between Kelly Chase and Tony Twist. We weren’t playing that much at that time of the game, but the Russian Five were out there and for like two minutes straight they were cycling the puck around. It was amazing. Every single guy touched the puck like four times on their team. Finally, I turned to Tony Twist and I said ‘Holy cow, this is awesome. It’s unbelievable.’ He just looked at me and said ‘Kid, shut up. I’ll tell you when you can talk.’

Q. If you could choose your last meal, what would it be?

A. That’s a tough one. If it was the last thing I could eat, I’d probably go with a brownie sundae.

Q. Why did you select No. 19 as your uniform number?

A. I wore 15 in St. Louis and in my first year in Edmonton and things really didn’t go well. So I needed a change so it was either 13 or 19 that was available in Edmonton and for some reason I chose 19.

Q. What is your favorite movie and/or television show?

A. My favorite movie is "Kingpin."

Q. What is your favorite vacation spot?

A. Cape Cod.

Team USA camp

Two Thrashers prospects are on the roster for the United States’ pre-tournament camp for the upcoming World Junior Championships.

Vinny Saponari and Jeremy Morin will take part in the pre-tournament camp Dec. 17-19 in Grand Forks, N.D. Saponari, of Marietta, was a fourth-round pick in 2008. He currently plays for Boston University. Morin, a second-round pick this year, is currently playing for Kitchner of the OHL.

The camp will be the final opportunity to make the U.S. roster for the 2010 World Championships in Saskatchewan from Dec. 26 to Jan. 5.