Calgary Flames first-round pick selected No. 1 overall in CHL Import Draft
By Nathan Smith
According to almost all outlets, the Calgary Flames scouting department and General Manager Craig Conroy did an incredible job during the 2024 NHL Draft, with several future NHLers expected to come from this class.
Now, there's been an interesting update for first-round pick Matvei Gridin, who was officially selected No. 1 overall in the 2024 CHL Import Draft by the Val-D’Or Foreurs of the QMJHL.
Les Foreurs repêchent l’attaquant russe Matvei Gridin avec le 1er choix du Repêchage international de la LCH!⛏️🌲
— Foreurs VD officiel (@ForeursVD) July 3, 2024
Bienvenue à Val-d’Or Matvei!🤩 pic.twitter.com/2g3649bzPj
With the first overall pick of the 2024 #CHLImportDraft, the @ForeursVD have selected Russian forward and@NHLFlames prospect Matvei Gridin pic.twitter.com/9fovj8FASF
— Canadian Hockey League (@CHLHockey) July 3, 2024
The move comes despite his commitment to play for the University of Michigan next season, and while some expected there to be a contest between the CHL team that drafted him and that commitment, the likelihood has now gone down that he was drafted to the QMJHL, which is seen as lower quality compared to the other two leagues.
The Val-d’Or Foreurs have selected #Flames first-rounder Matvei Gridin with the No. 1 pick in the CHL Import Draft. Gridin is committed to the University of Michigan.
— Scott Wheeler (@scottcwheeler) July 3, 2024
We will likely hear a decision from Gridin in the coming weeks, but given his combination of size, skill and potential, it's understandable why he was highly sought after heading into this draft. He may have been a surprise pick for many in the 2024 NHL Draft, but it's clear that Gridin has plenty of upside moving forward, and whether he goes to Michigan or ends up in the QMJHL, his future is bright and it could end with a major role in the NHL.