Calgary Flames first-rounder Matvei Gridin has had a very eventful summer. Since being selected by the Flames 18th overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, he signed his entry-level deal with the Flames and was the first selection in the CHL import draft by the Val d’Or Foreurs.
Many speculated that Gridin would be involved in a QMJHL trade since the Foreurs are not expected to be a top team in the Q this year, and it was rumoured that the Shawinigan Cataractes would be the team to acquire him.
This morning, the Cataractes made the deal official.
What does this trade mean for Gridin?
Because Gridin was drafted out of the USHL and has never played a CHL game despite his rights being owned by a CHL team, he has very unique eligibility. He could start the season in the NHL, AHL, or CHL.
If Gridin makes the NHL squad out of camp, that would be a big but pleasant surprise, but he would just join the rest of the NHLers. This is unlikely.
Gridin played very well in the Penticton Young Stars Classic and has been rewarded with strong deployment in training camp so far. He lined up with top bubble players Sam Morton and William Stromgren on day one of camp, which signals how highly the Flames view Gridin.
If he’s able to take advantage of that deployment and prove that he belongs alongside them, the Flames could opt to start Gridin in the AHL this season with the Calgary Wranglers. He can play there for as long as he’s able to.
In the event that does not happen and Gridin clearly does need some time in junior, he could be sent to the Cataractes to play the full QMJHL season.
As with Yan Kuznetsov a few years ago, the Flames could also start Gridin in the AHL and see how things go. If he isn’t able to keep up, he could be assigned to the Cataractes, where he would have to finish the season before being allowed to come back to the Wranglers.
A player to watch
Gridin is a player to keep an eye on in training camp, as he clearly has NHL potential and has lots of options on where he could play next season. Depending on how he does, he could start the year in a few different places. Here’s hoping he’s able to seize the opportunities he gets.
