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National Post

FLAMES RETOOL TRACKER: Matvei Gridin has highlight-reel potential on right wing

This highlight clip, which has racked up views on social media and been volleyed back-and-forth in countless fan group chats, is a showcase snippet of what makes Matvei Gridin one of the most fascinating forward prospects that the Calgary Flames have had in recent memory. Article content It's all there in a short n' sweet package, a shorthanded snipe from early March. It must have been the most dazzling of his 44 goals this season on behalf of the QMJHL's Shawinigan Cataractes, a count that includes eight playoff markers. Article content Gridin's blazing speed is on display as he wins a race to a loose puck through the neutral zone. The Flames' first-rounder hits the turbo button at his own blue-line and although an opponent is already nearing centre, he has soon smoked right past him. Article content His soft hands are on display as he capitalizes on this sudden breakaway. The Russian winger settles the puck and flicks his wrist to hoist a shot under the cross-bar from close range. Article content His confidence is on display as he cruises by the rival bench, raising his right glove as if he is expecting a round of congratulatory fist-bumps from his foes. Article content 'I think fans loved the celly the most,' Gridin said. Article content This goal — and cheeky celly — from Flames prospect Matvei Gridin today extends his goal streak to four games and makes it seven goals in his past seven games. He was drafted with the first-round pick Calgary got from Vancouver in the Elias Lindholm trade. — Darren Haynes (@DarrenWHaynes) March 10, 2025 Article content Fans in Calgary have been quick to fall in love with Gridin, a left-shot who has primarily played right wing as a junior. He just turned 19, so patience is required, but he has all the tools to become a fixture on the first or second line. His shot is already a weapon, but wait until he adds some more muscle to a 6-foot-2, 195-pound frame. Article content Gridin's arrival may have been slightly under-hyped because he was the second of the Flames' first-round selections at the 2024 NHL Draft. His name was called at No. 28 overall, roughly two hours after the organization welcomed Zayne Parekh. Article content Both are now huge factors in the future plan. You're not alone if you're imagining that a Parekh pass and then a Gridin one-timer could be the recipe for a lot of power-play tallies. Article content He is also the most gifted goal-scorer in the pipeline. Article content That could be a heck of a combo. Article content 'I just see a guy with size, speed, skill, a good shot. He has everything,' said Flames general manager Craig Conroy. 'You watch his games, he's an explosive skater. He had a goal where the puck got pushed ahead and he's … ' Article content Article content Conroy pauses and flashes his fingers forward, indicating a burst of speed. Article content Article content Yeah, he is referring to that same highlight — the March 8 shortie against the Quebec Remparts. Article content 'We've seen a handful of clips where he just blows away the people he's out on the ice with, and it's not even close,' said Flames director of player development Ray Edwards. 'He can separate. He scored some goals this year where he found a puck in the neutral zone and just beat a defenceman cleanly wide. Obviously at the next level, that will be way harder, but those are the things that stand out. Article content 'He had a number of those this year, where it just pops and you're like, 'Wow.' ' Article content Gridin, after winning the USHL's scoring title in 2023-24, averaged 1.41 points per game with the Cataractes, the fifth-best clip among all QMJHLers this past winter. He then helped to power his team through two playoff rounds and within a goal of a berth in the championship series. They lost a double-overtime heartbreaker in Game 7 of a semifinal slugfest with the Rimouski Oceanic.