Don't Mess With The Metro

This is going to be a weekly series by me in which I release a prospect profile for 1 player on each Metropolitan team. The first Prospect Profile I will be doing is on Columbus prospect Vitaly Abramov.

Vitaly Abramov, 19, posted incredible stats for the Gatineau Olympiques of the QMJHL. Abramov was drafted to Columbus in the 3rd round (65th overall) in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. Posting 104 points in the 2016-17 season Abramov was a standout star earning him player of the year honors in the QMJHL.

Many people see Abramov as a bright young star, but many also believe that he does not have the size nor capabilities of transitioning into the NHL. However Abramov has many NHL comparables into the way he plays. Some of these include Columbus’ own Cam Atkinson, Johnny Gaudreau, and many more. However most do not handle the puck as Abramov does. He has a keen hockey sense that is incomparable to many.

Abramov was unable to be at Columbus Blue Jackets Development Camp because of strept throat, Columbus Dispatch writer Aaron Portzline reported. I believe that this may be slightly detrimental to the chance Abramov cracks the roster considering he was not able to play. However he played 4 games in the AHL last season when the QMJHL season ended. He posted 4 points in 4 games and was a bright player during his time in Cleveland.

The Blue Jackets have many young players that can play on wing so it may be hard for Abramov to Crack the roster in the upcoming season. However bright flashes, great stats, and great play may let him make a mark on the NHL sooner rather than later.

Will Abramov transition to the NHL and become the Blue Jackets next Cam Atkinson? We will soon see.

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