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Columbus Blue Jackets Prospects Shined in 2016-17 Season

By Tony Mazziotti

Apr 16, 2017; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Sonny Milano (22) deflects the puck in front of Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury (29) during the first period in game three of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2017; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Sonny Milano (22) deflects the puck in front of Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury (29) during the first period in game three of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports /
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With the likes of Zach Werenski, Oliver Bjorkstrand, and Markus Nutivaara graduating from prospects to Columbus Blue Jackets this past season, the next wave of young talent is upon us.

From professional debuts to championship appearances and even a league MVP, Columbus Blue Jackets prospects had a major presence last season. Some of these players will push to make a roster spot out of training camp in the fall.

Looking back on this past year, there are plenty of youngsters that should leave the Jackets excited about the future. Here’s what some of the major prospects did last season.

Sonny Milano

Sonny Milano is a name that many Blue Jackets fans know already. He made his NHL debut in 2016 and even had a cup of coffee in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

What’s exciting about the 2014 first-round pick is that his game elevated at the AHL level. This play earned him a late season call up to the NHL.

Milano showed his skill by posting 47 points in 63 AHL games with the Cleveland Monsters. He’ll likely get a full-time opportunity sooner rather than later with the big club.

Pierre-Luc Dubois

The No. 3 overall pick in 2016, Pierre-Luc Dubois had a strong finish to a season that started slow. His junior rights were traded mid-season, giving him a desperately needed jump start.

He finished with 55 points in 48 regular season games and added 22 points in 19 playoff games. Dubois also made the U20 Canada team at World Juniors, but he failed to score a goal in seven games played at the tournament.

One weird season ultimately won’t drown Dubois’ career, but he’ll need to rebound if he wants to live up to his full potential.

Vitaly Abramov

Vitaly Abramov is a small but speedy winger who made his professional debut with the Cleveland Monsters in April. He was given this opportunity due to the elite promise he showed by winning MVP of the entire QMJHL.

The past two seasons in the QMJHL, Abramov tallied 197 points in 129 games (1.52 ppg). Despite being a third-round pick, Abramov elevated his status to being one of the Columbus Blue Jackets top prospects.

Vladislav Gavrikov

2015 sixth-round pick Vladislav Gavrikov has made some headlines recently because of the opportunity to come play in North America.

Before all of this drama began, Gavrikov was only in the news because of his above average play. He was a part of the KHL’s Lokomotiv Yaroslavl team that made a strong playoff run.

Though it is unclear where Gavrikov will play next year, what’s for sure is that the Columbus Blue Jackets were impressed by his growth last season.

Related Story: Columbus Blue Jackets Offer Vladislav Gavrikov NHL Contract

Kole Sherwood

One of the more interesting prospects last season, Kole Sherwood had a huge jump in production.

In 2015-16, he recorded 34 points in 63 games. In 2016-17, he had 85 points in 60 games. Sherwood played in the OHL in both seasons.

This led to him also making his professional debut with the Cleveland Monsters. The Columbus product made a name for himself last season. Look for him to start the season where he finished, being in the AHL.

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