The season only ended last week, yet Matvei Gridin is already focused on next season. The young Russian broke into the Flames lineup last season and had an impressive campaign.
The Calgary Flames selected Gridin at 28th overall in the 2024 NHL draft. He played for the Shawinigan Cataractes in the QMJHL, recording 79 points in 56 games. Shortly after, he joined the Wranglers and racked up an impressive 30 points in 37 games before the Flames called him up.
It was a disappointing year for the team in terms of points, with no player reaching the 50-point mark. Despite that, Gridin’s rookie year was one of promise. At just 20 years old, Gridin recorded 20 points in 37 games from the second line. He played alongside Morgan Frost and Matt Coronato. Coronato was the leading points scorer for the Flames in 2025–26, putting up 45 points.
Many have put Gridin’s initial success down to strong vision and an elite-level wrist shot. Tod Burton, the Flames’ Director of Amateur Scouting, also described him as a cerebral player just after Gridin was drafted.
Despite playing fewer games, Gridin outscored fellow right-winger Adam Klapka this past season. According to Ryan Huska, Gridin has already made it clear he intends to chase down Coronato in next season’s scoring race.
Gridin makes his aims clear to Huska
In an interview with Sportsnet 960, Huska revealed that Gridin intends to be the leading scorer next term, a lofty ambition for the youngster.
“He looked at me and said, ‘I’m going to lead the team in scoring next year,’ with a straight face,” Huska told Sportsnet 960.
This isn’t the first time Huska has praised the Russian. In an article on the Flames’ official website in February, he said, “I see him as an NHL player now!”
Whilst many are anticipating another year of struggle for the Flames, as things stand, the confidence that the Russian is showing will no doubt please those who aren’t on Team Tank.
The shifting focus towards youth can only benefit Gridin
The Flames’ focus has moved onto youth development under Conroy. Several older players are expected to leave in the summer. Jake Bean and Ryan Lomberg are unlikely to be offered new deals. Blake Coleman’s name will likely make its way into trade discussions as he enters the final year of his contract.
The old guard is likely to be leaving the Saddledome, which will probably give younger talent further chances in the final year at the famous arena.
Over the course of an entire season, based on the 2025–26 numbers, Gridin is projected to gain between 58 and 65 points. That would be an impressive return in his second season, and the signs are promising for his future.
Could he be the breakout star in his first full season?