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Why Vitaly Abramov will make the Columbus Blue Jackets

By Lansing Murphy

BOISBRIAND, QC - NOVEMBER 04: Vitalii Abramov #11 of the Gatineau Olympiques skates the puck against the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada during the QMJHL game at Centre d'Excellence Sports Rousseau on November 4, 2017 in Boisbriand, Quebec, Canada. The Gatineau Olympiques defeated the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada 3-2 in overtime. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
BOISBRIAND, QC - NOVEMBER 04: Vitalii Abramov #11 of the Gatineau Olympiques skates the puck against the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada during the QMJHL game at Centre d'Excellence Sports Rousseau on November 4, 2017 in Boisbriand, Quebec, Canada. The Gatineau Olympiques defeated the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada 3-2 in overtime. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /
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The top forward in the Columbus Blue Jackets system diversified his game last year in Victoriaville.

Vitaly Abramov is the top prospect in the Columbus Blue Jackets farm system. He is a dynamic scorer that dominated the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League the last two seasons, scoring over 100 points each season.

Last year Abramov was disappointed to be sent back to junior. He thought he was close to making the NHL squad. He could have gone back and sulked and not performed as well against inferior talent.

But instead, he went out and dominated the league again, and developed his talent as a centerman, adding another position to his resume. That added tool will allow him to make the NHL next season.

Vitaly’s offensive production didn’t dip even though he had added defensive responsibilities this year in Victoriaville as a center. He led the top line and carried the Tigres to the QMJHL semi-finals where they lost to the eventual Memorial Cup Champions.

Columbus Blue Jackets
Columbus Blue Jackets /

Columbus Blue Jackets

Abramov also took a leadership role on his new team quickly. He showed up to Victoriaville and became a leader on the squad. His english is solid and he showed both Victoriaville and Columbus management that he can be an asset on and off the ice.

Vitaly has a great drive that will help him make the NHL team as well. Like any elite athlete, he hates to lose and has been laser focused on making the team. Vitaly has said so since last season, and still is not shy about expressing his wishes.

Versatility Value

Now no one is expecting Vitaly to come to the Columbus Blue Jackets and start centering the third line. He still needs time to acclimate his game to the speed of the NHL. But having that option is huge and the Jackets have shown they are willing to throw a rookie in at center.

Last season Pierre-Luc Dubois started out the year on the wing, but coach John Tortorella decided to move him to center. Torts not only was dealing with some injuries, but wanted to get PLD to keep his feet moving at all times. The move was, of course, a smashing success.

This season Vitaly will immediately provide a scoring punch and speed that Thomas Vanek is leaving behind. If the Jackets experience any health issues again, they would have the option to move Abramov to the center ice position.

Next: Draft Profile: Kirill Marchenko

Consistent improvement in Junior, high skill level, versatility and leadership characteristics are all things the front office and Torts love in players. Because of this, I have no doubt that Abramov will start the season with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

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