Mikhail Abramov
The Toronto Maple Leafs third-best steal still has a lot to prove but from what we’ve seen it seems like he could prove to be a very valuable pickup.
Abramov was picked up in the fourth round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft at 115th Overall. In his draft year, with the Victoriaville Tigres of the QMJHL, the Russian winger put up 54 points in 62 games. He followed that up last year with a sophomore season of 35 goals and 76 points in 63 games – not too shabby.
Standing a 6’0″, 185 lbs, Abramov is described by DobberProspects.com as a “High-ceiling playmaker diversifying into a volume shooter”. He sees the eyes very well, making crisp passes while flying up the wing with speed. He doesn’t have a blazing fast shot, but when he does shoot, he’s smart with it. His potential is looked at to be a solid top-9 winger, and at best, top-6.
Prior to the COVID-19 pause, on March 10th, Abramov signed his ELC with Toronto, which was very well deserved. Following the COVID-19 pause, Abramov resumed playing with the Tigres where he is serving as captain. In 9 games, he has recorded 4 goals and 14 points.
Abramov has since left Canada to go to the Russian WJC Selection camp in Moscow, where is a lock for a spot on the team. He will play alongside fellow Toronto Maple Leafs prospects Rodion Amirov and Artur Ahktyamov.
In hindsight, Abramov could have been picked much earlier in the 2019 draft and the Leafs were lucky to get him where they did. With a high-ceiling player like Abramov, he could prove to be very valuable.
Keep in mind though, he is unproven therefor which makes him only the 3rd ranked steal – miles behind the other two on this list.