2026 Calgary Flames Prospect Rankings: #4 Matvei Gridin

Gridin has become one of the most exciting Flames prospects. After a dominant season in the QMJHL, Gridin burst onto the NHL scene last season, surprising many. Through 37 games with the Flames, Gridin posted six goals and 20 points.

Gridin’s development so far

Gridin was not a significantly hyped-up prospect out of the USHL. It was not until Craig Conroy drafted him late in the first round that he really started to get some attention. After his time in the USHL, Gridin had a phenomenal season in the QMJHL. He was tied for the team lead in points during the regular season and led the Cataractes in playoff scoring with 17 points in 16 games.

Gridin’s Strengths

Puck handling

One of the most noticeable standout skills from Gridin is his puck handling. Even at such a young age, Gridin has great hands that help him make quick passes and get by defenders. In just 37 games, Gridin made plenty of highlight-reel plays to showcase his puck-handling skills. His breakaway and shootout goals are the most notable, among some of his setups to Matt Coronato and Ryan Strome.

The most exciting part about this skill is that it is not something that can be taught. Many of the best puck handlers in the NHL have always had good hands, which they have only improved with experience. Some examples include Patrick Kane, Connor McDavid, and Johnny Gaudreau. Gridin may not get to the same level as these guys, but one cannot deny that the potential to be great is there.

Scoring

Gridin’s primary role will be to drive offence and generate points. He has already shown potential for that, but the question is whether or not Ryan Huska will allow him to do so. Going into next season, there is absolutely no reason why Gridin can not be getting top-six ice time with first-line power play minutes. He will be the main playmaker for the Flames next season as Jonathan Huberdeau has become a lost cause. I expect Gridin to have a bit of a breakout season next year, so it will be interesting to see where he is placed in the lineup.

Gridin’s Weaknesses

Consistency

A weakness for Gridin is something that many NHLers also struggle with. That is, consistency. There is no doubt that this will improve as he ages, but right now, it is a problem. Gridin has had stretches where he will score in a couple of straight games but will then go scoreless in four games. The young winger is the type of player who should be putting up points in every second game. However, I do not think he is the one to blame, with Huska giving him a wide range of lineup placements.

Defensive coverage

Another weakness for Gridin is his basic defensive zone coverage. As awesome as his offensive skills are, work needs to be done on the back end. At times, Gridin can lack the same intensity and grit without the puck, compared to when he has puck possession. Improving this can help make him more of a complete player who has a better impact at both ends of the ice. The extra engagement could also assist with sticking to his man in the defensive zone, instead of coasting back.

Gridin’s next steps

The ideal next step for Gridin would be securing a full-time NHL role with the Flames in their top-six. As of right now, he is a very solid middle-six player who also spent time in the AHL. I think the next best thing for Gridin would be to become that top-six playmaker that the Flames desperately need. Like mentioned before, he just needs the right opportunity.

NHL projection

I think a top-six forward is the main projection for Gridin. He probably has the potential to grow into an NHL star, but I do not think he will become a superstar or a main face of the NHL. Either way, the future is definitely bright for the young forward.

See our other articles on our list of prospect rankings for 2026:

• #5: Cullen Potter
• #6: Hunter Brzustewicz
• #7: Ethan Wyttenbach
• #8: Jack Hextall
• #9: Samuel Honzek
• #10: Tobias Trejbal
• #11: Andrew Basha
• #12: Aydar Suniev
• #13: Henry Mews
• #14: Theo Stockselius 
• #15: Mace’o Phillips 
• Honourable Mentions