The annual Traverse City Prospect got underway this weekend and the Blue Jackets prospects are undrafted through two games. The beat Dallas 7-2 in Game 1 and Minnesota in Game 2 3-1, and with six points they have guaranteed themselves a spot in the Championship game despite having to play one more round robin game.
Vitali Abramov was the star of the first game putting up two goals and five points. Both of his goals came in tight right around the crease. His impressive skill level was on display, particularly on this pass to Pierre-Luc Dubois.
Take a look at that nifty feed from Vitaly Abramov as he passes it between his legs and gives Dubois an easy tap in.#CBJ pic.twitter.com/NQHeiaH4n9
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) September 8, 2017
After a 104 point season and winning the MVP, Abramov is done with the QMJHL. I have heard from a couple people that think he is ready to make the jump to the NHL this season, and the more I see of him, I tend to agree. He is just so much better than his peers.
So Vitaly Abramov leads the tournament after 1 game with 5pts Jimmy Vesey led last year’s with 7 for the whole tournament #CBJ
— CBJ Prospects (@CBJProspects) September 9, 2017
Abramov is going to come into camp with an opportunity to make this team and with a good pre-season showing he could do it. The Jackets depth options right now are not spectacular and with no disrespect to players like Tyler Motte and Jordan Schroeder they don’t have the upside that a player like Abramov does.
Other standouts include Paul Bittner, who scored twice against the Stars.
It took a few whacks to go in but the mustache man, Paul Bittner finally slams it home.
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) September 8, 2017
1-0 Jackets.#CBJ pic.twitter.com/owd2MUe8q0
After everything Bittner went through last season it was great to not just see him back on the ice but having success on the ice. Bittner has dealt with so much from injuries to not scoring a goal last season to stepping away from the game at the end of last season. Aaron Portzline had a great story on Bittner for The Athletic, that I would recommend checking out.
ICYMI last night:
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) September 9, 2017
The Athletic: Bittner returns in a big way @ Traverse City prospects tourney #CBJ @monstershockeyhttps://t.co/dP74QUlOia
Hopefully Bittner’s success here can lead into a healthy and productive season in Cleveland.
The Blue Jackets next game goes today at 3pm against the St. Louis Blues.
You can follow me on Twitter @PaulBerthelot