Welcome back to The Win Column Calgary Flames Prospect Rankings. Our eighth-best Flames prospect is a 2024 draft pick in Matvei Gridin. At the end of June, the Flames used the 28th overall pick to select Gridin inside the first round. Heading into next year, Gridin is likely transitioning from the USHL to the QMJHL with the Val-d’Or Foruers.
Gridin’s development so far
Being born in Russia, Gridin has only been in North America since the 2022–23 season. Before that, he was developing in his home country. The 2020–21 season saw him start with Spartak St. Petersburg U16, but after a five-point performance in his first game, he joined the U18 team. With them, he scored 11 goals and 22 assists for 33 points in 22 games. This placed Gridin third in team scoring and with the second-best points per game.
The following year, Gridin joined Avangard Omsk. Once again, he started with the U16 team, but a strong showing saw him promoted to the U17. Another great year from Gridin was the result as he scored 26 goals and 24 assists for 50 points in 34 games. This time, he led his team in points and was sixth in league scoring.
Then came the jump to North America, and Gridin chose the USHL. The Muskegon Lumberjacks were his new home. His first year wasn’t that impressive, with only 21 points. Those points came from eight goals and 13 assists in 40 games. Despite the alright performance, Gridin was set for a big 2023–24 season, considering it was his draft season.
In need of a big season to raise his draft stock, Gridin rose to the challenge. With an elevated role, he was able to be a very big part of a solid Lumberjacks team. Playing alongside fellow draftee Sacha Boisvert, Gridin exploded for 38 goals and 45 assists for 83 points in 60 games. This not only made him first on the team in scoring but first in the entire USHL. Gridin’s impressive season also saw him earn the honours of being named to the First All-Star team.
Gridin is now set to go the CHL route despite the NCAA being the speculated path for him. He has promise, and another big year in a new league could improve his stock even more.
Gridin’s strengths and weaknesses
Gridin is an interesting player in terms of potential. You don’t just lead a league like the USHL in points by chance. He has some very good offensive traits but also some problems that may make him struggle to translate into the NHL if he doesn’t improve. You would expect a league point leader to have a flashy skillset, but Gridin doesn’t necessarily have that.
The first thing in his offensive arsenal is his shot. Gridin has a crazy good shot. Wrist, snap, or one-timer, he can find the back of the net. Starting with the wrist shot, Gridin can settle the puck at any distance and rifle it past the goalie. With his snap shot, he’s a threat while skating with the puck. It’s quick and accurate, giving goalies little time to react. His one-timer, while not as common as the other two, has the same accuracy and makes him deadly on the power play.
Gridin has a good sense in the offensive zone. He hunts for the puck, getting into the dirtier areas. Playing net-front or along the wall is in his style. He can also be a cycler. Constantly looking for the best position, Gridin will push through to pick up rebounds or screen goalies. Gridin also scouts for open space to receive a pass. This type of stuff helps with his playmaking game, too, as he knows how to position himself to complete passes at an effective level.
Unlike most offensively-minded prospects, Gridin doesn’t shy away from the game when his team doesn’t have the puck. He applies pressure to opponents and positions himself for opportunities to be defensive. Stick checking is a strong suit of his with his longer reach and steady feet.
Gridin may have a good all-rounded game, but he’s not perfect. The first thing that stands out is his skating. He has a stand-up stride, which limits his power and makes him lack explosiveness. He doesn’t get that acceleration he needs to beat out defenders and get chances. His top speed is solid and could be more viable if he fixes his stride. Edgework also isn’t a strength. He doesn’t really have the ability to move too shifty, and even then, he doesn’t attempt to do so too often. Weak skating will definitely hinder his performance at higher levels, but there are ways to work around it.
Despite his willingness to get into dirtier areas, Gridin’s compete can still be questioned. In the offensive zone, he doesn’t typically start the rush and doesn’t engage in effective ways that he should. He’s not necessarily a play driver, either. He can be caught waiting for the play to develop instead of creating it himself. This can be the result of producing so much more than his opponents, and it will be interesting to watch as he develops.
Gridin’s next steps
Next year isn’t a make-it-or-break-it year for Gridin, but there’s definitely weight to it. His production is promising but there has been chatter that maybe he relies on his teammates too much. Also, going the QMJHL route over the NCAA is interesting. Rumours that it was because of insufficient grades could be true, but it looks to be due to his entry-level contract.
The QMJHL hasn’t been praised as much as it used to be. Many have noticed a rise in scoring that doesn’t neccessarily translate to the NHL as of recent times. Gridin will need to continue to produce at a high level, and it feels that even with that new opinion forming on the QMJHL, high production in two separate leagues would be a pretty good sign.
Calgary Flames 2024 Top 15 Prospects
Honourable Mentions | #15 William Stromgren | #14 Jacob Battaglia | #13 Aydar Suniev | #12 Luke Misa | #11 Etienne Morin | #10 Henry Mews | #9 Samuel Honzek | #8 Matvei Gridin | #7 Jakob Pelletier | #6 Andrew Basha | #5 Jeremie Poirier | #4 Hunter Brzustewicz | #3 Matt Coronato | #2 Dustin Wolf | #1 Zayne Parekh
