While most players used the Olympic break to recharge on beaches or back home, Matvei Gridin had a different kind of getaway - one that involved lacing up the skates and lining up next to some of the AHL’s best.
The 19-year-old Calgary Flames prospect spent his break in Rockford, Illinois, suiting up for the 2026 AHL All-Star Challenge. It wasn’t exactly a vacation, but for Gridin, it was an opportunity - and one he earned. A standout with the Calgary Wranglers through the first half of the season, Gridin’s All-Star selection was a nod to both his production and his trajectory.
Through 34 games with the Wranglers, Gridin has racked up 28 points - 10 goals and 18 assists - making him one of the team’s most consistent offensive contributors. He didn’t just show up in Rockford to soak in the atmosphere, either. He made an impact, tallying two assists in his first game of the All-Star Challenge.
“They’re the best players on their team,” Gridin said after the event. “It’s nice to play with the skilled guys.”
That kind of humility has followed Gridin throughout his first full pro season, but it’s paired with a quiet confidence that’s starting to show up in his play - not just in the AHL, but at the NHL level as well.
The Russian forward has already logged 13 games with the Flames this season, picking up three goals and three assists. And he didn’t just head into the Olympic break quietly - he made a statement. In a rivalry game against the Edmonton Oilers, Gridin posted his first multi-point NHL performance, notching a goal and an assist in what felt like a glimpse of what he could become.
That performance gave him momentum heading into the break, and now, with the All-Star experience under his belt, Gridin is focused on what comes next.
“Big second half of the season,” he said. “Just trying to bring my best and play how I can play.”
Calgary’s decision to reassign Gridin to the Wranglers before the Olympic pause wasn’t a demotion - it was a strategic move. The Flames want him on the ice, not in the press box, and the AHL continues to offer him meaningful minutes in all situations. It’s part of a long-term plan that prioritizes development over short-term flashes, and so far, that plan is paying off.
Gridin’s All-Star appearance isn’t just a midseason accolade - it’s a sign that the Flames have something real in the pipeline. He’s producing, he’s gaining confidence, and he’s showing signs of a player who’s not just knocking on the NHL door, but one who’s learning how to walk through it.
As the Flames gear up for the stretch run, Gridin’s growth is one of the more intriguing storylines to watch. Whether he’s in a Wranglers sweater or back in Calgary red, he’s trending in the right direction - and fast.