Calgary Flames prospect Matvei Gridin named QMJHL rookie of the year

About a month ago, Gridin also won the Michel Bergeron Trophy for best offensive rookie. Gridin was up against two goalies in the Rimouski Oceanic’s William Lacelle and the Baie-Comeau Drakkar’s Lucas Beckman.

Gridin’s 2024–25 season

Joining the QMJHL this season proved to be the right decision for Matvei Gridin. In 56 games, he scored 36 goals and 43 assists for 79 points. He led the Cataractes in goals and points, while being one assist short of the lead in that category, in six fewer games. League-wide, Gridin was 12th in points and 10th in goals while being fifth in points per game. The Cataractes would place second in their division behind the Drummondville Voltigeurs and fourth overall in the league.

Gridin and the Cataractes would begin their playoff journey against Gridin’s original team, the Foreurs. They took them down in an easy five-game series. Moving on to play the Sherbrooke Phoenix, they proved to be even simpler work for the Cataractes, as they would sweep the Phoenix this time around.

Now, the Cataractes had booked their ticket to the semi-final in a challenge against the Rimouski Oceanic. The series would go the full distance to seven games and even go into overtime. The first overtime would prove nothing, and they would head into a second overtime, where unfortunately, the Oceanic would score and eliminate the Cataractes.

In the great playoff run for Gridin and the Cataractes, Gridin would post eight goals and nine assists for 17 points in 16 games. He would lead his team in goals, points, and points per game once again.

What’s next for Gridin?

Overall, this season was a fantastic one for Gridin. When drafting a USHL prospect, there’s always some concern about the level of competition. For Gridin to prove that he can still dominate in a better league, such as the QMJHL, is a great sign. Gridin stepped in and immediately became the Cataractes’ best player and almost led them to the QMJHL final.

The Rookie of the Year award he just won signifies his performance, effort, and development that have been strongly shown through his play this year. With Gridin being a USHL draft pick, he is eligible for the Calgary Wranglers in the AHL next season. There is a very high chance that Gridin will join the Wranglers and take another step on his development path.