It's official.
The Columbus Blue Jackets have cut Vitaly Abramov from their training camp roster. In doing so, they have left the diminutive Russian winger with a tough decision as to where he will continue his career.
Vitalii Abramov a t retranch par les Blue Jackets. Maintenant, suivre s'il ira Gatineau. C'est sa seule option sur le continent.
— Mikal Lalancette (@MLalancetteTVA) September 27, 2017
Having won the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League's (QMJHL) most valuable player award for the 2016-17 season, Abramov has very little to prove in the league.
Any decision will be partially attributed to the CHL-NHL agreement. Abramov cannot play in the American Hockey League (AHL) due to his age, leaving only two options: the QMJHL and Europe.
By not reporting to Gatineau Olympiques training camp in mid-August, the decision of not returning to the team was obvious to most monitoring the situation, though both his agent and Olympiques management remained coy about it.
"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," said Alain Sear, director of operations for the Olympiques.
According to LaPresse.Ca, when Abramov made his intentions known that he would not be playing in the QMJHL, he also said he would not be playing in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) in Russia.
Recent reports have Abramov eyeing a spot in Finland this season as he tries to hone his game. He started strong in Traverse City and had a good-but-not-great training camp, showing he still needs to refine parts of his game.
Dont be alarmed by Abramov being sent to juniors. Seems very plays in QMJHL after winning MVP award in 2017. Likely headed to Finland.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) September 27, 2017
Abramov is a promising prospect with a bright future ahead of him. The next step on his development path guarantees to be a big one.
