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

[Ford Prefect]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

So what do you think is the disconnect between these stats and his ranking?

Is it skating? Is it compete? Did he simply fly under the radar?

I’ve read a couple reports that were rather unkind about his defensive commitment. It wasn’t a knock on his defensive skills but rather his commitment to that side of the game. If true, he’s going to need proper handling. Hopefully some NCAA will do that.

[FanSince'01]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

So what do you think is the disconnect between these stats and his ranking?

Is it skating? Is it compete? Did he simply fly under the radar?

I haven’t watched him but it sounds like the main reason is that he’s not seen as a play driver and is more of the type of player who lets the play develop in front of him and will simply may you pay if the play materializes for him and the puck ends up on his stick. I imagine that would lead to some concerns that he’s more of a product of Boisvert and his other linemates, rather than the opposite. And his play away from the puck leaves much to be desired, apparently.

One scout has already pushed back on this (his play driving ability) so it’ll be interesting to see how things develop in the next few years for him.

[Aarongavey]

Originally Posted by gvitaly

I think his defensive awareness and play away from the puck need some work.

His transition play is decent, but nothing to write home about.

One last tidbit that stands out (from looking at analytics) is him trying to force passes a little bit. He has a ton of slot passes/60, but only an average success rate at connecting.

https://twitter.com/user/status/1806880947947860209

I'm cautiously optimistic about the pick! Hopefully we get a good scoring winger out of it.

Would much rather have a guy who has to work on defence but has offence come naturally to them than a guy who has to work on offence but defence comes naturally to them.

[Heavy Jack]

I’m not worried about prospects with skating issues, we have one of the best skating coaches in the game who has helped countless players both prospects and pros with their skating abilities.

[Enoch Root]

And I am not worried about a lack of commitment to the defensive side - that will come with maturity, if he wants to play in the NHL.

And seeing as he came over from Russia at a young age, in order to realize his dream of playing in the NHL, I'd say there is a good chance that he will get on board that train.

Love that the talent is there if he can put it together.

[cral12]

Hopefully not a Fata, from NHL.com:

28. Calgary Flames (from VAN) -- Matvei Gridin, RW, Muskegon (USHL)
NHL Central Scouting ranking: No. 21 (North American skaters)
Gridin (6-1, 189) began playing hockey at age 3 in his hometown of Kurgan, Russia. It was there his father, Andrey, began teaching him the fundamentals. He played for St. Petersburg and Omsk in Russia's development leagues before being chosen by Muskegon in the 15th round (No. 223) of the 2022 United States Hockey League draft. The 18-year-old led the USHL with 83 points (38 goals, 45 assists) in 60 games, a vast improvement on the 21 points (eight goals, 13 assists) he had in 40 games in 2022-23. Committed to play at the University of Michigan next season, Gridin knows how to play to his strengths, which include his intelligence, playmaking and one of the quickest shot releases Muskegon coach Parker Burgess said he has ever seen.

NHL.com analysis: After addressing their needs on defense with Parekh, the Flames select leading scorer in the USHL in Gridin. Scouts like Gridin's hockey sense, which allows him to be dangerous on the penalty kill. The Flames have started to tilt more toward younger, more athletic forwards with Matt Coronato and Connor Zary expected to get more playing time next season, and 2023 first-round pick (No. 16) Samuel Honzek and Gridin could be right behind them.

[868904]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

So what do you think is the disconnect between these stats and his ranking?

Is it skating? Is it compete? Did he simply fly under the radar?

From looking solely at his highlights, it looks like he’s not even trying. But the skill is evident.

In today’s game, if your style of play doesn’t emulate McDavid, you suck.

I like the Daniel Sedin comparison another poster made. Kristian Huselius is another guy who was like this. Cerebral, slowed the game down to his pace, had all the skills in the world (skating, passing, shooting) paired with great vision. Actually, a modern day comparable is Draisatl.

[Enoch Root]

Jagr was like that too

[Red_Baron]

No endorsement from Crazy Bacon Legs is a red flag.


I'm disappointed.

[Crazy Bacon Legs]

I've completed my highly scientific analysis of this player. It's based on science.

Upside: yes
Downside: no
Mid-side: sure
Backside: confirmed

Based on my analysis, there is a 53% chance, 8.5 times out of 10, that Gridin will be at the top 16% of the NHL. This is guaranteed 40% of the time.

This kids going to be an absolute beast, in my non-humble opinion (more likely than not.)

[Nelson]

I feel optimistic about this pick. His NHLe of 31 as a March birthday is pretty comparable to Honzek’s NHLe of 32 as a November birthday. So, he’s 4 months younger for his draft year, and his NHLe is based on a full season. This pick is totally fine at the end of the 1st round.

[Fan69]

Originally Posted by Crazy Bacon Legs

I've completed my highly scientific analysis of this player. It's based on science.

Upside: yes
Downside: no
Mid-side: sure
Backside: confirmed

Based on my analysis, there is a 53% chance, 8.5 times out of 10, that Gridin will be at the top 16% of the NHL. This is guaranteed 40% of the time.

This kids going to be an absolute beast, in my non-humble opinion (more likely than not.)

I think their is only a ten percent chance thats its a fifty fifty.

[McG]

Originally Posted by Fan69

I think their is only a ten percent chance thats its a fifty fifty.

I think that 10% chance is a roll of the dice.

[Sandman]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

So what do you think is the disconnect between these stats and his ranking?

Is it skating? Is it compete? Did he simply fly under the radar?

His game is still pretty raw. He plays way too much on the perimeter, and his off-puck game is a concern, and affects his defensive contributions. He has a ways to go, but has time, and will be in a great program at Michigan.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by Sandman

His game is still pretty raw. He plays way too much on the perimeter, and his off-puck game is a concern, and affects his defensive contributions. He has a ways to go, but has time, and will be in a great program at Michigan.

out of thanks, but - thanks!

[sureLoss]

Chance he goes the CHL route!

https://twitter.com/user/status/1807528009613619636

edit: the Hitmen have the 17th pick in the import draft, just saying

[Heavy Jack]

Originally Posted by Heavy Jack

Has Crazybaconlegs weighed in yet?? Almost surely he can confirm if he’s beast or not!

Originally Posted by Crazy Bacon Legs

I've completed my highly scientific analysis of this player. It's based on science.

Upside: yes
Downside: no
Mid-side: sure
Backside: confirmed

Based on my analysis, there is a 53% chance, 8.5 times out of 10, that Gridin will be at the top 16% of the NHL. This is guaranteed 40% of the time.

This kids going to be an absolute beast, in my non-humble opinion (more likely than not.)

Hahahahaha love it

[FlamesAddiction]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

Chance he goes the CHL route!

https://twitter.com/user/status/1807528009613619636

edit: the Hitmen have the 17th pick in the import draft, just saying

I thought it was interesting that he isn't listed as one of Michigan's 2025 recruits. I wonder if there has already been a decision to not go the college route.

https://www.collegehockeynews.com/re...er/Michigan/31

[Funkhouser]

I have to say, after watching the highlights, and from what I have read, this pick is underwhelming. He appears very one dimensional, doesn't appear to drive the play and is apparently weak on defense.

I was hoping Surin, Boisvert, Beaudoin, etc fell.
But since they didn't, I wanted O'Reilly. But what do I know!

[Tbull8]

Originally Posted by Funkhouser

I have to say, after watching the highlights, and from what I have read, this pick is underwhelming. He appears very one dimensional, doesn't appear to drive the play and is apparently weak on defense.

I was hoping Surin, Boisvert, Beaudoin, etc fell.
But since they didn't, I wanted O'Reilly. But what do I know!

Nah O’Reilly is a bust.

Source: E=NG