Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Vitalii Abramov captured the prestigious Jean Béliveau Trophy Saturday after leading the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League in scoring this season.
Abramov, playing for the Gatineau Olympiques of the QMJHL, finished his second season in the league with 46 goals and 58 assists for a total of 104 points in 66 games. As a rookie in the league last season, Abramov captured the RDS Cup, awarded annually to the top rookie in the QMJHL, following a 38–55–93 campaign.
The award is named for Quebec native Jean Béliveau, Montreal Canadien great and member of the Hockey Hall of Fame. Past winners include Sidney Crosby (2003-04 and 2004-05), Mario Lemieux (1983-84), Pat LaFontaine (1982-83), Dale Hawerchuk (1980-81) and Guy Lafleur (1970-71).
The product of Chelyabinsk, Russia was taken by Columbus in the third round, No. 65 overall, of the 2016 NHL entry draft.
