Written by Derrik Maguire
Matvei Gridin is starting to show why the Calgary Flames have reason to be excited about his future. The 20-year-old winger has emerged as an offensive contributor for Calgary. Over the Flames’ last ten games, Gridin has recorded five goals and four assists, making him one of the team’s most productive players during that stretch. His recent success has reinforced the belief that he can be part of the core that shapes the organization’s future.
Gridin’s emergence has come as he’s been placed on a line with Martin Pospisil and Ryan Strome while also earning a spot on the first power-play unit. He has gained the trust of the coaching staff, averaging just over 16 minutes of ice time over the last ten games while recording four power-play points.
Flames head coach Ryan Huska has noticed a difference in Gridin and his approach over the last few games. Although Gridin has an impressive shot, the biggest improvement has come in his ability to create chances with his feet.
“But now the last handful of games, his feet are moving, and he’s a very dangerous player when he’s playing that way,” Huska said.
That improvement in movement is important because his offensive skill and talent were never the questions that needed to be answered. Huska has identified his shot as one of his biggest strengths. However, those skills are only part of what it takes to be a successful NHL forward. By moving his feet and creating more space, Gridin has additional opportunities to use his strengths while making the defense’s job more difficult.
Gridin’s power-play role has also become a significant part of his recent success. His four points on the man advantage provide another avenue for offensive contributions. Huska has also noted the importance of these opportunities for younger players, explaining that Gridin's placement on the top unit has played a major role in his recent form.
According to Huska, Gridin has played the “best that he’s looked all year.”
These opportunities have allowed Gridin to contribute while building his confidence. That confidence is helping his skills shine at an important time for the Flames organization. Calgary is looking for young players to establish themselves as NHL contributors, and Gridin’s performance gives the organization reason to believe that his recent scoring is more than just a temporary surge.
At just 20 years old, Gridin still has room to grow as he continues through his first full season in the NHL. The improvements identified by Huska will be key to his long-term development as he looks to build on them throughout the remainder of the season. Gridin has already shown that he can produce when given meaningful opportunities in the Flames’ lineup, giving Calgary another reason to be optimistic about its future.
Gridin’s scoring has put him among the team’s offensive leaders this season. However, the way he approaches the game could determine whether his emergence is sustainable. If he can continue to take the coaching staff’s advice and apply it to his game, he has the potential to become an important part of the future the Flames are building.
