Calgary Flames 2025 Prospects Rankings: #5 Matvei Gridin

Gridin’s development so far

Gridin developed in his home country of Russia up until 2021–22. In his final year in the Avangard Omsk system, he produced 26 goals and 50 points in 34 games.

The following season, Gridin would make his departure overseas to North America. Headed in the direction of college hockey, Gridin opted for the USHL over the CHL. He was selected 223rd overall in the 2022 USHL draft by the Muskegon Lumberjacks. Gridin’s rookie season was decent. He suited up for 40 games with the Lumberjacks, scoring eight goals and 21 points.

In his draft-eligible year, Gridin would explode. With some development and an elevated role, Gridin would jump up to 38 goals and 83 points in just 60 games. He would not only lead his team in points, but he also led the whole league in points. Gridin would go on to be projected in the late first to early second round range. His projection would choose to be truthful, as the Flames would select him 28th overall.

This past year, Gridin was headed to the University of Michigan, but he changed his mind, signed his entry-level contract, and joined the CHL instead. Following the decision, he was selected first overall in the CHL Import Draft by the Val-d’Or Foreurs. The Foreurs were not poised to be a very strong team, so he was sent to the Shawinigan Cataractes in a huge trade.

Gridin would be that star player the Caracatects were looking for. In 56 games, he scored 36 goals and 79 points. He would lead the team in points and goals. At season’s end, he claimed not only the offensive rookie of the year, but the rookie of the year overall.

Gridin’s strengths

Dual-threat ability

The main draw to Gridin’s game is that he’s not just a shooter or just a passer. He’s both, and it makes him a great offensive threat. He brings a full package shot that’s threatening no matter the type. A quick and accurate wrist shot is the typical form that he goes for to beat the opposing goalie.

Gridin can also set up in open space and absolutely wire a one-timer that finds the netting of the net. In motion, he can snap the puck with speed.

Outside of his shot, Gridin is able to feed his teammates with crisp passes. Whether it be the simple tape-to-tape passes you see in every game or ones that have a bit more challenge, he can do either. He can present himself in a way that makes it seem like he has eyes on the back of his head.

Offensive instincts

Gridin has been a weapon in the offensive zone for his whole career, and you can’t do that without the instincts of the zone. He’s able to use the weapons he possesses thanks to the sense he brings to find space.

Head up, always scanning, Gridin can force the play to come to him with proper positioning or by making it difficult for the defenders. He is always in and around the puck, waiting in open ice. Without the puck, he doesn’t shy away from applying some pressure to opponents, successful or not.

Puck-control

With the puck, Gridin can be very fancy with his hands. He’s always trying to move the puck around, looking for opportunities to use the stick to move in closer to the middle of the ice. Nice, smooth drags, or highlight-reel, quick movements are both actions he can do. His hands allow him to keep the puck away from defenders and generate more offensive opportunities for his team.

Gridin’s weaknesses

Acceleration

I wouldn’t say Gridin is necessarily a bad skater, but his acceleration could use some work. People have always pointed out his stand-up stride, which hinders his skating style. While his top-end speed isn’t an issue, it definitely takes a while for him to reach that level. The explosiveness just really seems to be lacking a bit, and some power can also be lacking. It’s certainly not as bad as it was a year ago when he was drafted, but it still stands as an area for improvement.

Compete

Gridin has always been an interesting prospect because he’s not necessarily unengaged, but it can come across that he does not want to develop the play. He typically hops in on the rush for offence, but if it collapses, he can tend to peel off.

You may also see him wait for the play to come to him rather than driving it himself. He can be stationary, waiting for a shot or pass opportunity. Once again, steps have been seen in this past season, but still some time to watch.

Gridin’s next steps

This past season was very likely the only season Gridin will play in the QMJHL. Due to being drafted out of the USHL into the QMJHL, he is eligible for the AHL starting next year. Usually, he would have to wait one more year. Gridin should join the Calgary Wranglers next year and be part of the rookie class that should give the team a massive boost.

The steps for Gridin next season will be to refine his game a little bit more in the pro direction. Flesh out his issues that can be seen as junior style of hockey, and make sure his offensive production is possible at a higher level. The hope is for him to show great development with the Wranglers and challenge for the Flames roster in 2026–27.