Ranking the Top 3 Rookies that could make the Columbus Blue Jackets

#1 Vitaly Abramov

This should excite every Columbus Blue Jackets fan out there. There is a real possibility that Vitaly Abramov makes the NHL squad out of camp and becomes the next impact rookie in the organization.

Abramov has the speed, skill, and scoring ability to continue the tradition, albeit short, of great rookies playing for the Jackets. Last year it was Pierre-Luc Dubois, and the year before that it was Calder trophy finalist Zach Werenski.

Abramov has dominated the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League over the last two years and has made his intentions to make the NHL squad quite clear. Abramov feels that he was close last year, and he was, but he still needed to improved his off the puck game and added some size.

But has he done enough to prove he can play in the far more physical NHL? Where does a talent like Abramov draw in the lineup? I think Vitaly is a natural fit in the top six if the Jackets trade Artemi Panarin. He can slot in and provide a dynamic scoring threat and try to fill the role as a Panarin-lite.

Even if he doesn’t make the Columbus Blue Jackets, I expect to see Abramov a few times this year in Columbus.

Carlsson, Davidsson, and Abramov all have a solid chance to prove they can play at the NHL level this September. Will any of them make the roster to start the year? Let us know what you think in the comments below.