There was a time where the Jackets really honed in on Russian forwards, and it blew up in their face. They hope this to longer be the case.
NHL Network released their top 50 NHL prospects as of right now, and the Columbus Blue Jackets' own Vitalii Abramov just made the cut, landing at No. 49.
A third-round pick by the Jackets in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, Abramov has certainly risen his stock over the last couple of seasons.
Abramov has played in the QMJHL for the past three seasons, and the season leading up to his draft year, registered 93 points in 63 games. Not bad for a third-rounder.
Since then, he has had back-to-back 104 point seasons. In 2016-2017, Abramov won the league MVP award for the QMJHL, and this past season, was second in the league in points (while only playing in 56 games).
For reference, he was 17 points ahead of the third-place player in total points, and played in nine less games.
Clearly, it is well believed by most the Abaramov is ready to make his professional-level jump sooner rather than later, and his growth in production in the past few years is obviously a huge indicator.
He also transitioned from a winger to a center mid-way through last season, which is even more attractive to Jackets' management, as they've been lacking at center depth for quite some time.
Plus, he's a guy who's got the guts to do this in a real game - what's not to like?
For opening night, it's hard to say that Abramov should have high hopes of squeezing into the bottom of the forward lines, but time will tell. Injuries amongst many other factors are likely to occur, which may give him a chance to prove himself at some point this upcoming season.
It just may not be in October.
