Matvei Gridin's Expected Breakout Sophomore Season with the Calgary Flames

Matvei Gridin, drafted 28th overall in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, appears set for a breakout season with the Calgary Flames as they continue their rebuild. He has shown well in training camp and early preseason games.

Last season, Gridin played for both the Flames and their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Calgary Wranglers. With the Flames, he scored six goals and 20 points in 37 games, finishing with a minus-14 rating while averaging 15:10 of ice time. In 37 AHL games, he posted 10 goals and 30 points, showing steady progress and earning points in eight of his final 10 games with the Flames.

So far, Gridin has been effective on the top line, playing with Morgan Frost at center and Matthew Coronato on the right wing. He also joins the first power-play unit, taking a quarterback role on the blue line alongside defenseman Zayne Parekh. Their chemistry on the man advantage has been evident, with effective puck movement and deception creating space.

Gridin's Path to the Flames

Born in Kurgan, Russia, Gridin played minor hockey in the Spartak St. Petersburg and Avangard Omsk youth programs. He then moved to Muskegon, Michigan, after being selected 223rd overall by the Muskegon Lumberjacks in the 2022 United States Hockey League (USHL) Entry Draft.

In his rookie USHL season, Gridin recorded eight goals and 21 points in 40 games. The following season, he exploded for 38 goals and 83 points, leading the USHL and earning a spot on the First All-Star team. This performance placed him as high as 21st in NHL Central Scouting rankings, though many considered him a solid second-round pick. The Flames' selection of him at 28th overall thus raised some eyebrows.

Gridin moved to the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) for the 2024/25 season after the Val-d’Or Foreurs drafted him first overall in the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) Import Draft. The Foreurs later traded him to the Shawinigan Cataractes.

He quickly found success in the QMJHL, leading all rookie players in points, goals, and assists. This earned him a spot on the CHL All-Rookie Team and titles of QMJHL rookie of the year and offensive rookie of the year. He had been committed to play at the University of Michigan but opted to sign his entry-level contract after the draft.

Flames' Expectations for Gridin

Significant expectations surround Gridin entering the season, as he is arguably the Flames’ most exciting offensive prospect in years, drawing comparisons to Matthew Tkachuk. His resume supports this hype; as a 19-year-old, he joined an elite group including Mikko Rantanen and Patrice Bergeron by making the AHL All-Star Game, one of only 16 players ever to do so.

Flames general manager Craig Conroy acknowledged the young player's accomplishment, stating, "He’s been probably our best player down there this year. At 19 years old, people don’t realize how amazing that is." (Quote from “Flames prospect Matvei Gridin joins exclusive club as teenaged AHL all-star,” Calgary Herald, February 10, 2026.)

Gridin possesses high-level hockey IQ that allows him to create scoring chances off the rush with his quick snapshot. His shot threat also makes him willing to hold onto the puck, drawing defenders and creating lanes for teammates with precise passing. Last season in the AHL, where he took on more responsibility, these skills were on full display against older competition, demonstrating his comfort with physical play and board battles.

Concerns during his draft year focused on his skating and defensive zone play. While both have improved in the subsequent two seasons, his skating has seen more significant development. He still occasionally struggled with full defensive zone engagement, though his defensive play, particularly along the blue line in exiting the zone, improved over time, complementing his offensively focused style.

Gridin's sophomore season carries considerable pressure and high expectations, typical for a top prospect. For the Flames, who have sought a young offensive talent, Gridin may be the answer. If he doesn't fully meet these expectations, the team still has promising college prospects like Cole Reschny, Ethan Wyttenbach, and Cullen Potter who could contribute in the coming seasons.