Columbus Blue Jackets: Is Vitaly Abramov the Next Oliver Bjorkstrand?

The Columbus Blue Jackets golden prospect Vitaly Abramov has yet to see time on NHL ice. Does that mean it’s too early to draw comparisons to similarly-skilled wingers? I don’t think so, and that’s where Oliver Bjorkstrand comes in.

Vitaly Abramov is for the most part considered the top prospect in the Columbus Blue Jackets minor league ranks. The reigning Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) MVP is a bonafide scoring machine, tallying exactly 104 points in each of his last two seasons. I don’t care if you’re playing against a team on crutches, 208 points is serious output.

Although some hesitant fans prefer to stay cautiously optimistic on Abramov’s trajectory, I tend to err on the side of can’t wait. For example, I recently spoke about Vitaly’s explosive potential on Twitter only to be reminded minutes later that the Oliver Bjorkstrand hype was maybe a bit much for some.

In retrospect, I appreciate that response. I like the Abramov comparison for a couple of reasons. Sure they’re not the exact same player but the parallels are strong. Let’s break it down.

Similarities

It starts with size. Even though Bjorkstrand (6’0″) has three inches on the Russian (Abramov’s 5’9″) , they’re both considered smallish in stature. Abramov tips the scales at 170lbs. while Oliver hovers just a notch above at 175. 20 years ago, players of this stature were a lot more rare, but in today’s speed-hungry NHL, these guys fit right in.

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As I mentioned, the hype was strong with both players but rightfully so. If you didn’t already know, the Danish winger put up blistering stats of his own when he played in the minors. In his final two seasons with the Portland Winterhawks (of the Western Hockey League), Oliver posted 109 points, and 118 points in consecutive seasons.

As neither the QMJHL nor the WHL are known for their defense, neither winger is defined by his two-way game. That being said, Bjorkstrand holds his own and is becoming a responsible defender for the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Both #28 and #77 were drafted at the age of 18 in the 3rd round. This is probably more ironic than some might think. The NHL draft is a massive process and the likelihood that they were the same age when selected is even more coincidental.

Finally, in a league of enforcers, balanced players, scorers and whatever other stereotype you can drum up, these two are “snipers”. Both possess lightning-quick releases with particularly quick wrist shots.

Differences

As much as the guys are alike, they do have some notable differences beyond their stature.

The biggest difference between the two is that Abramov now plays center as well as wing. Bjorkstrand will play right wing until he retires. Vitaly’s new positional flexibility adds tremendous value to his resume. If he can excel at center as he has at wing, his potential only expands further.

In the minors, Bjorkstrand scored more goals-to-assists in his 2-year burst (113G, 114A) while Abramov posted more assists-to-goals (84G, 113A). They both produced ridiculous numbers, but the Danish righty was more likely to put it in the back of the net than the left-handed Russian.

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Some might argue with me on this but I personally feel like Abramov is more electric and creative. Don’t get me wrong, “Bjorky” can surprise you with his release and is an excellent passer in his own right, but I would be more likely to categorize Vitaly as a “creator”. To me Abramov just seems a bit twitchier and draws more attention.

In Summary

No matter how much ice time Vitaly Abramov sees (or doesn’t see) with the Columbus Blue Jackets this year, fans should be patient. A transition from the QMJHL to the NHL is nothing to sneeze at, let alone to the AHL. He is going to need some time to get used to the speed of professional hockey.

As for Oliver, he is just getting started in my opinion. Every now and then some prospects enter the league and blow up overnight. Bjorkstrand obviously didn’t go that route but he’s a quality young winger and he’s far from done developing. Another year as a full-time Jacket could have him scoring north of 50 points.

Without pigeon-holing Abramov’s future, I felt like this comparison was fair. If he turns out to be another Bjorky, that’s not at all a bad outcome for the Columbus Blue Jackets. Personally, I think his ceiling is a little higher but it’s going to take some time. Until then, keep an eye out for #79 and just be glad he’s one of ours.