The Columbus Blue Jackets have assigned three of their prospects from their respective junior leagues to Cleveland. The Monsters will gain defenseman Ryan Collins, forward Vitaly Abramov and goalie Oscar Dansk.
The Columbus Blue Jackets front office was very busy today. Maybe only the coaching staff of the Cleveland Monster where more active as they prepare for three new arrivals in Cleveland. The Jackets have sent three prospects to the Monsters organization as they fight for a playoff spot in the AHL.
Forward Vitaly Abramov, defenseman Ryan Collins and goalie Oscar Dansk will all join the Cleveland Monsters in time for their push to get in the playoffs and defend their Calder Cup. Along with Kole Sherwood and Sam Vigneault, there are many new faces in Cleveland.
Related Story: CBJ Sign Sam Vigneault
Vitaly Abramov
Vitaly Abramov has had an incredible year for the Gatineau Olympiques in the QMJHL. He won the MVP award this week following his second season in Quebec. Abramov posted 46 goals and 58 assist for 104 points. The Russian winger will hopefully bring a scoring punch to Cleveland in their final five games.
Vitaly is still only 18-years-old and will probably not make the NHL squad next year. He will likely return to the Q and then try to make the team in the 2018-2019 season.
Related Story: Abramov season in the QMJHL
Ryan Collins
Ryan Collins is a big defensive defenseman from the University of Minnesota. Collins is leaving after three years in Minneapolis to join Cleveland. He was a 2nd round pick in the 2014 draft and his time in Minnesota was slightly disappointing. He came in highly touted and played below expectations in his freshman and sophomore year. Collins did appear to turn a corner this last season where he played significantly better, helping the Gophers win the Big Ten.
#CBJ sign defenseman Ryan Collins to three-year entry level contract: https://t.co/Y1uEGBImpP
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) April 5, 2017
Oscar Dansk
Finally Oscar Dansk will also come to Cleveland following two seasons in Sweden. The native of Stockholm has spent time in the OHL with Erie before returning to his native Sweden for two seasons with Rogle BK. Over his two season in the SHL he posted 2.81 GAA and a .908 save percentage. This move is a signal to me that the Columbus Blue Jackets are worried about losing Joonas Korpisalo in the expansion draft and need to bolster up their goaltending corps.
The Cleveland Monsters are still fighting like crazy to get to the playoffs. The new players will come in and add some energy and excitement to the squad in the final five games. I’m excited to see Vitaly Abramov and see if his scoring will translate to the AHL. The other two have low expectations and if they can contribute in any way, consider it a win.