Star Blue Jackets prospect Vitaly Abramov is ready to get his professional career started.
He made a statement saying as much when he told his Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) club, Gatineau Olympiques that he won't be reporting to training camp.
According to LaPresse.ca, Abramov is already in Columbus in anticipation for training camp with the NHL club. Even if he does not make the NHL, he would not return to the QMJHL. As part of the report, he has a European contract on the table. The Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) is also reportedly not an option.
The report also states that pressure from his family was influential in this decision. They believe that he is ready to start his professional career. Leaving his options either the NHL or a league in Europe.
"The Abramov clan told us a month ago that the player did not intend to come to our camp. We are worried, but we are hopeful that he will end up with us if he is cut off by the Blue Jackets. The NHL has a clear rule for CHL drafted players. At this point, there is no point in alarming everyone. On the other hand, if he does not come, it would complicate the plans for our next season. We will do everything we can to convince him to come back," said Alain Sear, director of operations for the Olympiques.
Abramov was named most valuable player of the QMJHL this past season where he scored 46 goals and put up 104 points in 66 games. Abramov is not eligible to play in the American Hockey League (AHL) due to an age restriction between his current league and the prospective league.