Matvei Gridin was the Calgary Flames second first-round pick back in 2024, and while all eyes were on Zayne Parekh, the Russian winger has done nothing but impress since being drafted. That started with the QMJHL back in 2024/25 when he dominated, tallying 36 goals and 79 points in 56 games played.
Then, he made the jump to the pros, winning a job straight out of training camp this season, and while he was demoted to the AHL, that was only a positive for the 20-year old winger. In 37 games, he dominated for the Calgary Wranglers, posting 10 goals and 30 points in that time, and then, he was recalled for what is likely to be the last time.
Since being recalled, Gridin appeared in 33 games, tallying 5 goals and 19 points in that stretch, and once he found his chemistry with Matt Coronato and Morgan Frost, he turned into a completely different player. Some of that stems from talent and the team around him, but plenty of it comes from pure confidence, something that Gridin has oozed since arriving in the NHL.
Now, Head Coach Ryan Huska has joined Sportsnet 960 to chat about the season that was and the future, and one of the main topics that came up was his talented young winger. In talking about Gridin, Huska reveals the extent of Gridin's confidence, noting this one conversation he had with the 20-year old following the season.
"He looked at me and said 'I'm going to lead the team in scoring next year' with a straight face."Ryan Huska on Matvei Gridin
🔥 The definition of the word “confidence” is just a picture of Matvei Gridin.
— Sportsnet 960 (@Sportsnet960) April 23, 2026
🗣️ #Flames Head Coach Ryan Huska joined the guys on the Big Show and highlighted his exit meeting with Gridin!
🎧⤵️https://t.co/xmRaWMzg4n pic.twitter.com/sgneccpIeF
This season, Gridin was among the Flames top point scorers since his return to the team, and with another year of confidence and experience under his belt, there's no reason to doubt that he can indeed achieve what he said he can. Obviously, the Flames need much more than Gridin if this rebuild is to be a success, but with him leading the way along with some of their other top talent, it's easy to see why the Flames are happy with how things are currently going.
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