[News] With the 28th OA pick, the Flames select RW Matvei Gridin

[Sandman]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

I remember being a little surprised at the pick. I think the HN draft issue had him ranked 21 (off the top of my head) on their list but for whatever reason he was a guy that I just didn't consider as the type of player the Flames would pick given given that he was Russian and his negatives were regarding being a perimeter player and wasn't overly discussed as a potential pick. He's certainly looked good in preseason and hopefully he can stick with the club as the talent is undeniable.

I was surprised too. Even though he led the USHL in scoring (which is VERY impressive), was 4th in goals, and had 15 more points than his nearest teammate, he didn't look like a first-rounder, and didn't appear to be a player the Flames would be interested in.

[dino7c]

Originally Posted by GreenLantern2814

https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/ho...-out-saturday/

This says Iginla is dealing with a minor injury unrelated to his double hip surgeries, and is likely to be returned to Kelowna once he's cleared to play.

dang

[cam_wmh]

Originally Posted by dino7c

dang

I agree, he should ask for a trade. To be closer to dad.

[combustiblefuel]

Originally Posted by cam_wmh

I agree, he should ask for a trade. To be closer to dad.

To the Hitmen? That dosen't help the Flames. FYI I know what your saying just being a smart ass.

[Fan69]

Originally Posted by Sandman

I was surprised too. Even though he led the USHL in scoring (which is VERY impressive), was 4th in goals, and had 15 more points than his nearest teammate, he didn't look like a first-rounder, and didn't appear to be a player the Flames would be interested in.

I had gridin as a hopeful second rounder when they took him in the first i was surprised but not displeased. Except for s few exceptional drafts by the time you get to the twenties the best centers are gone so had no issue with a winger

[Calgary4LIfe]

Not to say that the Flames haven't made any mistakes lately in the draft, or that they won't in the future - it is impossible to be hit 100% after all - but I simply don't get too invested in any prospect heading into the draft any longer (with the exception of Iginla). Flames are a very good drafting organization, so when they pick someone 'out of the blue', or 'reach', I just assume that there is reason for picking this player where they did. I look at the evolution of the Flames drafting from 'periods' of time - terrible at the start of Sutter's tenure, but got much better towards the end, Feaster's short tenure seemed like a step forward, Treliving's tenure was marred by a few poor drafts and lack of picks, but I thought overall it was effective, and now under Conroy (and though still early on) it looks to be trending towards the 1980s' timeline.



I would love to see the Flames' drafting and development grades over the last 5-10 years. It must be in the top 5 at least.


Also, I have said it before, but Gridin's play-style seems more like Pavel Bure to me - explosive speed, great IQ, great shot, and can play physical (once again, Bure was higher in probably every metric there, but I argue they play a similar style).

[sureLoss]

https://twitter.com/user/status/2011891576235344346

[Robbob]

pretty pretty pretty good

[Five-hole]

Can someone who follows the Wranglers give us more casual fans an assessment of how Gridin has been this year?

[YyjFlames]

Originally Posted by Five-hole

Can someone who follows the Wranglers give us more casual fans an assessment of how Gridin has been this year?

Mostly points-based analysis, but a pretty promising write-up on the kid from just before the holiday break:

https://thewincolumn.ca/2025/12/20/m...ns-in-history/

His PPG pace puts him sixth for all time AHL U20 scoring, ahead of Patrice Bergeron and Mikko Rantanen, in the top 10 list.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by YyjFlames

Mostly points-based analysis, but a pretty promising write-up on the kid from just before the holiday break:

https://thewincolumn.ca/2025/12/20/m...ns-in-history/

His PPG pace puts him sixth for all time AHL U20 scoring, ahead of Patrice Bergeron and Mikko Rantanen, in the top 10 list.

And add to those facts the fact that he made the team out of camp PRIOR to playing any games with the Wranglers. And showed very well at the NHL level. The kid is talented, produces, and plays a pro game at the ripe old age of 19

[flamesgod]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

And add to those facts the fact that he made the team out of camp PRIOR to playing any games with the Wranglers. And showed very well at the NHL level. The kid is talented, produces, and plays a pro game at the ripe old age of 19

Yeah, I’m excited to see what he turns into. Could be a massive piece going forward.

[mile]

https://twitter.com/user/status/2011896440323522856