"I'm not even thinking about it right now, that I can go back," said Abramov, who has 197 points (84 goals, 113 assists) in 129 QMJHL games in two seasons with Gatineau. "My goal is to make Columbus this year and that's all I'm focusing on. I want to show them my best game in training camp and we'll see what happens. I'm really focusing on making the team."
Abramov would fit well on a Blue Jackets team that had the third-youngest roster in the League last season at 26.2, according to Hockey-reference.com. Brandon Dubinsky, 31, is the only forward older than 30.
Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen has been impressed by Abramov's focus.
"That's the approach we want from every player attending the camp," Kekalainen said. "If you don't come to the camp trying to make the team, you've got the wrong mindset, in my opinion. That doesn't mean I don't like the word 'realistic,' but you make your own realism by working hard, and Vitaly is a great example of a guy who's been taking big steps in his career in the last couple years. And the way he's playing here in Traverse City], he's definitely making everybody take notice of him."
Training camp is the next step. Abramov said he's looking forward to skating with NHL players, including fellow Russia-born forward Artemi Panarin, who was
[acquired in a trade with the Chicago Blackhawks
for forward Brandon Saad on June 23.
"They lost Brandon Saad, but they got Artemi Panarin," Abramov said, smiling. "It's part of the business, part of the game, but of course … he's one more Russian on the team and that's nice, honestly. We're from the same area in Russia so it's really nice for me."
