Gridin’s NHL Arrival: A New Era for the Calgary Flames
Matvei Gridin is back with the Calgary Flames, and head coach Ryan Huska couldn’t be more confident in his potential. "He’s taken a lot of steps along the way and I see him as an NHL player now," Huska declared, signaling a new chapter for the young talent.
The Flames have just wrapped up a week of practice following the Olympic break, and while they could have kept Gridin with the AHL’s Calgary Wranglers a bit longer, they opted to bring him up. This move speaks volumes about the team's faith in his abilities.
Gridin himself was thrilled to hear Huska’s praise. "I hope I’ll stay in the NHL for the rest of the season and start here next year," he shared, clearly motivated by his coach’s confidence.
As the Flames focus on the future, especially with recent trades and injuries, including Rasmus Andersson’s departure and Jonathan Huberdeau’s hip surgery, fans are eager to see young players like Gridin, Zayne Parekh, and Hunter Brzustewicz take center stage. These players are expected to be pivotal in the Flames' development, offering fans a glimpse into the team's evolving dynamics.
Gridin’s immediate recall after the Olympic break underscores his importance to the Flames’ strategy. Drafted 28th overall in 2024, Gridin has shown remarkable growth over the past 20 months, solidifying his spot in the team’s plans.
Coach Huska emphasized Gridin’s potential impact: "There’s a lot of things that he has in his game that will translate well to the game in the NHL." While acknowledging there will be challenges and learning moments, Huska is optimistic about Gridin’s offensive prowess, which is something the Flames desperately need.
Gridin’s ability to generate offense, highlighted by his impressive shot and instinct for the goal, makes him a key asset for a team looking to boost its scoring capabilities. His journey from draft pick to NHL player is a testament to his hard work and the Flames' vision for the future.