Top prospects in the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) continue to make strides this season, with several players developing under the watchful eyes of NHL teams. This week, we take a closer look at Calgary Flames prospect Matvei Gridin and his successful transition to the QMJHL, where he’s gaining valuable experience.
Originally committed to the University of Michigan, Gridin shifted his plans after being selected by the Flames with the 28th overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. The decision to change course was made easier when Calgary extended him a contract just two days after the draft. Gridin’s path then took him to Shawinigan of the QMJHL, following a trade from Val-d’Or, where he had been selected first overall in the CHL Import Draft.
Gridin has quickly adapted to his new team and league. With 19 points (seven goals, 12 assists) in 18 games, he ranks second among QMJHL rookies in scoring. His standout moment came on Nov. 3, when he recorded his first career hat trick in a 5-2 win over Rimouski.
Despite his strong performance, Gridin remains focused on improving. “It’s a fine start, but I can do better,” he said. “I’m still adjusting to the league—it’s a bit different from the USHL, and I need time to adapt.”
The decision to join the QMJHL over playing NCAA hockey has been beneficial for his development. Calgary’s director of player development, Ray Edwards, emphasized the importance of a full CHL season, which offers Gridin the opportunity to play 68 games compared to the 35-40 he would have played in Michigan. This intense schedule provides more repetitions, which Edwards believes is critical for honing skills and preparing for the next level.
“One of the biggest benefits is just the number of games he’ll play,” said Edwards. “In the CHL, you get to learn the pro schedule, adjust during the week, and continually improve. It’s hard to develop when you’re only playing 34 games like in the NCAA.”
Gridin also had the chance to attend the Flames’ training camp and impress coaches with his competitiveness. “It was a great experience,” he said, reflecting on his time practicing alongside NHL stars like Jonathan Huberdeau, Andrei Kuzmenko, and Nazem Kadri. Although initially awestruck, Gridin quickly got down to work.
Edwards was particularly impressed by Gridin’s work ethic in the preseason. “We loved his competitiveness,” Edwards remarked. “He’s got a high skill level, and when he played with NHL players, you could tell it just clicked. He’s very smooth and sees the game at a high level.”
While Gridin is confident in his offensive abilities, he knows there’s room for growth in his play away from the puck. “The Flames want me to be more focused on my game without the puck,” he explained. “They see my skill, but it’s about being harder on the puck to keep possession more. They want me to improve without the puck so I can regain it quicker.”
Gridin is aware that excelling in all areas of the game is crucial for his future success in the NHL. “Even if I score 120 points in the QMJHL but don’t play well without the puck, it won’t help me get to the NHL,” he added.
Others to Watch:
- Sam Dickinson, D, London: The San Jose Sharks prospect extended his point streak to nine games with four assists in a 5-3 win over Sarnia. Dickinson now has 29 points (11 goals, 18 assists) in 16 games this season and leads London in scoring.
- Ethan Gauthier, RW, Drummondville: A Tampa Bay Lightning prospect, Gauthier had 16 points (seven goals, nine assists) in an 11-game point streak. He currently has 22 points (nine goals, 13 assists) in 15 games this season.
- Koehn Ziemmer, RW, Prince George: The Los Angeles Kings prospect is in the midst of a six-game goal and point streak, with 12 goals and two assists. Over his last nine games, Ziemmer has recorded 19 points (15 goals, four assists), including four multi-goal games. He has 25 points (18 goals, seven assists) in 14 games this season.
