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

[TrentCrimmIndependent]

Good thing we also drafted Basha and Mews who wouldn't be off the board at 28.

But a dart is a dart. There's always a chance these players fill their potential.

[Bonded]

Originally Posted by TrentCrimmIndependent

Good thing we also drafted Basha and Mews who wouldn't be off the board at 28.

But a dart is a dart. There's always a chance these players fill their potential.

yeah, I pretty much only care about Parekh. That is the pick that needs to turn out. Anyone else turning out is a bonus.

[sureLoss]

Taken with the 1st OA pick in the CHL import draft

https://twitter.com/user/status/1808516983391916542

[Toonage]

Stay at Michigan

[dustygoon]

1st overall pick? Whoa. I'm sure others know more than me, but if you are using a top pick in the import draft on someone, you have some certainty/assurance they are coming over. No?

[InternationalVillager]

Originally Posted by dustygoon

1st overall pick? Whoa. I'm sure others know more than me, but if you are using a top pick in the import draft on someone, you have some certainty/assurance they are coming over. No?

The Q tho.....that wouldn't be where I'd send my prospect.

[TheScorpion]

Super cool to see that Gridin is regarded so highly in the hockey world, but he should absolutely stay at Michigan

[Sandman]

Yeah Michigan is a good program and he’ll have a longer runway there if needed….

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by InternationalVillager

The Q tho.....that wouldn't be where I'd send my prospect.

Why?

[Enoch Root]

I lean towards Michigan as well (for coaching), but there is something to be said for him getting a bigger role at Val D'Or, with more ice time, PP time, etc.

At the end of the day, it's what you make of it that matters.

[Tacoman]

For most of these guys, it often comes down to their willingness to be a student. Hate to generalize but most of these guys really don't have an interest in going to class. I hope he chooses Michigan as well. Playing against 24 year olds is far better development than playing against kids in my mind.

[flamesfan55]

Correct me if I'm wrong but the perk to the going to the CHL would be that we wouldn't have to worry about the stupid NCAA signing loophole.

[Funkhouser]

Val d'Or is in the middle of nowhere.
I would do Michigan if I were him!

[Reggie Dunlop]

The Flames would prefer him in the Q so it appears. This was all pre-arranged.

Jakob Pelletier has already texted his congratulations.

[MacDaddy77]

CAn import picks be traded between leagues? for instance could the hitmen trade Val D'or for his rights?

[Muta]

Golfed with someone on the weekend related to Muskegon's coach; said they think Calgary got an absolute GEM here and for us to enjoy the ride; this kid is a special talent.

[TheScorpion]

He's going to the Q

https://twitter.com/user/status/1808527852221980889

[Vinny01]

Too bad the Hitmen couldn’t snag him but exciting he is highly regarded to be the 1st overall pick. Sounds like NCAA is the correct route

Edit: and looks like he is going CHL

[activeStick]

Originally Posted by flamesfan55

Correct me if I'm wrong but the perk to the going to the CHL would be that we wouldn't have to worry about the stupid NCAA signing loophole.

Yes, if this is correct and I believe it is, I'm 100% hoping he goes to the Q. There's risk (and precedence with Fox), no matter how small, that he becomes a free agent after Michigan and chooses to sign with someone else instead of the Flames. Maybe more so if he becomes a legit top prospect in North America by then. Until things change in Calgary (new arena, successful team, etc) and the team becomes a team kids want to join, I'd like for the Flames to mitigate the risk of draft picks leaving as best as they can.

[stemit14]

After getting more information and perspectives on this player, I’m excited to see what he could become. His game reminds me a lot of Pavel Buchnevich…. big guy with a nose for the net and a fantastic release.