Vitaly Abramov is one of the Columbus Blue Jackets’ top prospects, but that does not mean he will make the opening roster.
In the past, the CBJ had to rush their top prospects into the lineup to fill gaping holes. That is no longer the case. This could work against some of the Columbus Blue Jackets prospects, including offensive threat Vitaly Abramov.
Abramov has shown that he is able to produce points at every level that he has competed. Vitaly tallied at least 90 points in his last two seasons in the QMJHL, including a whopping 104 points with 46 goals and 58 assists last season. He also added four points in as many games in his short stint with the Cleveland Monsters.
While these are outstanding numbers, Abramov will have a tough time making the Blue Jackets. Columbus has a lot of depth on the wing, which will work against the youngster. Abramov is also in a sticky situation because if he does not make the Blue Jackets, he will have to play junior hockey for one more season because of his age.
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The agreement may hold him back because he has already accomplished so much. He also will be playing in a league that may not challenge him as much as the AHL. This possibly could lead to Abramov developing some bad habits.
If Abramov does have an impressive camp and makes the team, it would seem Columbus believes that he would be able to play in the top nine forwards. This assumption comes with thinking that Abramov would not gain much from limited minutes on the fourth line.
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A fourth line role would not seem to fit Abramov. He is undersized, only coming in at 5’9″ and Torts loves his fourth line to be a checking line and won’t put a sniper like Vitaly there.
Prediction
Columbus’ winger depth is going to keep Vitaly off the opening day roster this upcoming season. That said, he seems to only be one year off from having a solid shot of making the NHL. This year will serve as another chance for Abramov to tweak his game to get to the next level.
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The rest of the QMJHL will be hoping that the Blue Jackets decide to call Abramov up because this would take the highest scorer and most elite passer out of the league. If Abramov is back, he will be causing headaches and will continue to rack up points at an astronomic rate.