Montreal Canadiens 2016 NHL Draft: Vitali Abramov, Russian Rookie Extraordinaire

by Matt Smith, Staff Writer/Social Media Specialist, All Habs Hockey Magazine

Vitali Abramov, LW/RW, Gatineau (QMJHL)
May 8, 1998 | Chelyabinsk, Russia
5-9, 175 lbs. | Shoots L | @
2015-’16: 63 GP, 38 G, 55 A, 93 PTS (Gatineau Olympiques)

CSB: No. 29 (NA Skaters) | ISS: No. | THN: No. 29 | HP: No. 29 | FC: No. 24

Vitali Abramov was selected with the 13^th overall pick during the 2015 CHL Import Draft by the Gatineau Olympiques and assisted them significantly throughout his rookie season, scoring 38 goals, 55 assists and finishing the season a plus-36. He also provided seven goals and six assists during 10 QMJHL playoff games.

Abramov led all QMJHL Rookies in goals (38), assists (55), points (93) while being named QMJHL Rookie of the Year, named to the QMJHL All-Rookie Team, winner of the QMJHL Offensive Rookie of the Year (Michel Bergeron Trophy), and played for Team Cherry at the CHL Top Prospects Game.

Not bad for a rookie.

His choice to come to the CHL did not sit well with Russian Hockey as they did not even give him a tryout for the World Junior Team, nor add him to Team Russia during the Subway Super Series. Given his accomplishments, he undoubtedly could have made a substantial influence to the success of both teams.

Abramov is a very considerate player, and his stats reflect that; he’ll look for the best opportunity for his team to score, whether it’s off his stick or not (even though he finished the year with a 17.1 per cent shooting percentage.) His offensive skills are recognizably his greatest strength as he can be a sniper as well as a playmaker. Skating ability is also a strength, as he possesses high end speed, agility and acceleration, making it nearly unattainable for defenders to catch him after he catches them flat footed.

His defensive game isn’t dreadful for such an offensively driven player. Abramov did finish the year a plus-36, and will contribute to the back-check, using his speed and stick effectively to cause turnovers. His lack of size may be a concern, but with most young players this is also the case, he’ll need to bulk up like many have before him to compete at a higher level.

Teams shouldn’t hold his Russian heritage against him as Abramov chose the CHL for a reason and he arguably paid a price for his decision. His commitment to playing in North America shouldn’t be doubted.

Vitali Abramov could very well be selected in the first round based off of his high end offensive skills, but some teams could see his lack of size as an impediment, which means he could theoretically fall into the second round. The Montreal Canadiens have picked small players in the past and it’s worked out tremendously for them (Brendan Gallagher), and this could be another chance to add a high end offensive player to their prospect pool.

The Habs own the 39^th and 45^th overall pick at this year’s NHL Entry Draft; don’t be surprised if Abramov’s name is high on their list if he’s available June 25^th.

Need to catch up on potential draftees? You will find the All Habs draft archive here or use the quick links below to check out our most recent articles on the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.

2016 NHL Entry Draft on All Habs Hockey Magazine
In case you missed them! Here are the most recent articles on the draft.
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