1. Vitali Abramov, C/W (3-65, 2016)
Stats (Gatineau Olympiques, QMJHL): 16 gp, 12 g, 14 a, 26 p.
Stats (Victoriaville Tigers, QMJHL): 40 gp, 33 g, 45 a, 78 p, 12 PPG (19 A), 1 SHG (1 A), 9 GWG, 215 SOG, 57.5 FO%, 1.86 pts/g (13 pgp, 9 g, 7 a, 16 p, 3 PPG (2 A), 1 SHA, 2 GWG, 36 SOG, 50 FO%, 1.23 pts/g).
Abramov was one of the best players in the QMJHL this past season, and will likely be ready for a bigger role within the Columbus Blue Jackets organization this upcoming season. He was second in scoring, second in goal scoring, second in assists, and first in points per game. He didn’t do as well in the playoffs, but still came in tied for tenth in scoring, seventh in goal scoring, 32nd in assists, and was 11th in points per game.
Vitali Abramov was traded during the season, which isn’t usually a signifier of success in the Canadian minors. But he excelled once he got to the Tigers, scoring at a nearly two points per game pace. He was excellent on the power play throughout the season, did somewhat well while shorthanded, and scored nine game-winning goals. He’s an excellent forward and somebody who should be an impact forward for the Columbus Blue Jackets down the road. He should be a top-six forward, one who can score as well as make plays.
Abramov is just 5’9″, but that’s far from the shortest player of his calibre in the NHL. If he can be the Blue Jackets’ answer to Alex DeBrincat, then he reached his ceiling. There’s a high likelihood that he ends up with the Blue Jackets as of right now, and if he impresses with the Monsters this season, that could be sooner rather than later.