Columbus Blue Jackets: Vitaly Abramov Hype Continues to Grow

When the Columbus Blue Jackets entered the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, everyone knew they would have at least one good draft pick considering they were in possession of the third overall selection. No one expected anyone else from that draft class to be making headlines this quickly, yet Vitaly Abramov has done just that.

It’s starting to appear that the Columbus Blue Jackets may have gotten a major steal when they selected Vitaly Abramov with the 65th overall pick in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. His scoring ability was never in question, however he fell in the draft because of his size–an issue many players face. The Blue Jackets have made it work before though, as seen by Cam Atkinson‘s success in Columbus.

Abramov’s showing in the QMJHL last season made it much more difficult for the Blue Jackets to ignore him as he’s seemingly reached his maximum developing point there. The AHL also isn’t an option due to his age. At 19, he’s unable to play there while his junior team has a season in progress. This has been a major cause of the excitement surrounding Abramov; he continues to impress, but he can’t go to the AHL and sending him back to the QMJHL is pointless. What happens to him then?

As of now, it appears that he has a very good chance to make the NHL roster this upcoming season. If that’s the case, he’ll probably take Josh Anderson’s roster spot as his holdout continues. He would likely play with Pierre-Luc Dubois and Oliver Bjorkstrand, which would be a dynamic third line. Dubois and Abramov showed at the Traverse City tournament that their styles of play mesh well together, which makes that line a no-brainer. Add the 2013 draft equivalent of Abramov in Bjorkstrand, and you have a competitive, young third line.

Vitaly Abramov has the potential to be a big impact player, possibly even this season. If Abramov makes the team and struggles, don’t let your hope for him die down. It may take a few years for him to get accustomed to the physicality of the NHL level, but once he does, expect him to take the league by storm. Abramov will make his preseason debut tonight against Chicago playing alongside Alex Broadhurst and Carter Camper on the second line.

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