The Calgary Flames landed Zayne Parekh with their first pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, and now, they've added another intriguing prospect in the form of Russian winger Matvei Gridin. The reaction in Vegas wasn't quite as loud as their first pick, but in Gridin, the team are getting another highly talented offensive player.
Welcoming Matvei Gridin to the C of Red at 28! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Tty8fGldqr
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) June 29, 2024
The 18-year old may not be the biggest name in the draft, but he led the USHL in points in 2023-24 with 83 in 60 games played, fueled by an impressive 38 goals. STanding at 6-foot-1 and weighing 185 pounds, Gridin has the size that the Flames love while leading the way with his offensive talent, with many projections having him as a solid middle six winger of the future.
#Flames select Matvei Gridin 28th overall. I ranked him 22nd overall.
— Patrick Bacon (@TopDownHockey) June 29, 2024
Gridin had a decent D-1 year in the USHL, and then followed it up with a very strong draft year. He's a solid pick for Calgary here at 28. pic.twitter.com/TINjhwB1zT
Sure, it may not be the home run selection that the Flames made at No. 9 overall, but Craig Conroy continues to develop their prospect group going forward, and if he can develop well, he could potentially be a key piece of the organization moving forward.