Abramov hopes to join Panarin on roster
Vitaly Abramov knows that at least one player from his hometown will make the Blue Jackets this fall. The dynamic 19-yearold prospect wants to make it two.
Abramov hopes to call left wing Artemi Panarin, acquired last week in a trade with the Chicago Blackhawks, a teammate by the end of training camp.
Panarin, who scored 61 goals in his two seasons with Chicago, will play on the Blue Jackets’ top line with center Alexander Wennberg. Abramov will head to camp with no guarantees as he tries to crack a lineup filled with capable wingers.
If the 5- foot- 9, 181pound forward cannot win a roster spot, he will return to the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, where he won most valuable player honors last season with Gatineau.
“My main goal is to make the Blue Jackets,” Abramov said Thursday night. “I’ve been thinking about this all year.”
The native of Chelyabinsk, Russia, is the organization’s second- best prospect, behind center PierreLuc Dubois. Both were selected in last year’s draft, with Dubois going No. 3 overall. While the loss of William Karlsson in the expansion draft offers Dubois a clear path to a roster spot, Abramov must force his way onto the squad.
He is a fearless playmaker who operates inside the faceoff dots and drives to the net despite his lack of size. Abramov scored 46 goals and contributed 58 assists last season Vitaly Abramov
for Gatineau. Will his game translate to the NHL, where the competition is bigger and stronger?
Abramov is readying himself for the challenge.
“I’ve got to work hard on and off the ice,” said Abramov, who will train in Russia throughout July before returning to Columbus in August. “I need to work on my speed and my shot. It’s a big summer for me.”
The 2016 thirdround pick did not participate in on- ice sessions at development camp this week while recovering from strep throat. He’s expected to get a longer look at training camp than a year ago, when he was sent back to juniors after one exhibition game.
The Blue Jackets are deep on the wings, however, with Nick Foligno, Panarin, Cam Atkinson, Boone Jenner, Oliver Bjorkstrand and Josh Anderson likely to play among the top nine forwards.
Abramov was excited to see the Blue Jackets deal for Panarin, 25, who moved from neighboring Korkino, Russia, to Chelyabinsk at age 10 to attend hockey school.
“I have seen him play, of course,” Abramov said. “He’s a great player, and I think he’s going to bring a good vibe to the team.”
The two will meet for the first time at training camp. Abramov hopes they become teammates sooner rather than later.
Development camp tournament
Defenseman Scott Savage scored the game-winning goal with less than five minutes remaining to lead a team coached by Gregory Campbell to victory in the 4-on-4 prospects tournament Thursday. Savage, a 22-year-old Boston College product, scored two goals in the round-robin event. Sixth-round pick Jonathan Davidsson also scored two goals.
Center Kevin Stenlund, a 2015 second-round pick, was among the most impressive players, setting up chances throughout the event. Goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks, who probably will start for the minor-league Cleveland Monsters, allowed just two goals in three 12-minute games.
“I’ve got to work hard on and off the ice. I need to work on my speed and my shot. It’s a big summer for me.”