Born in Sarnia, Ontario, Abbott played collegiate hockey for Cornell University of the ECAC from 2002 until 2006. He turned professional in 2006-07 season, initially in the ECHL with the Stockton Thunder and Las Vegas Wranglers before establishing a role with the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs of the Central Hockey League.
In the 2007–08 season he moved to pursue a European career and signed to play for the Frisk Asker Tigers of the Norwegian GET-ligaen. After one season he opted to switch to the Swedish league, signing with the Rögle BK of the Elitserien. After a great season in RBK, Chris, together with his brother Cameron, signed a two-year contract with rivals Luleå HF.
Abbott played with Luleå HF for six seasons, leading the club as captain in his last three before leaving as a free agent to sign a two-year contract with his third SHL club, HV71 on April 21, 2015.[1]
In the 2016–17 season, Abbott was selected as team captain in the final year of his contract with HV71. He contributed with 6 points in 28 games and 6 points in 7 post-season games to help lead HV71 to their 5th Le Mat trophy.[2] A week after claiming the Championship, Abbott was not tendered a new contract with HV71 and became a free agent.[3]
On July 12, 2017, Abbott officially announced his retirement through injury.[4]