While many athletes chose to spend their Olympic break relaxing, Matvey Gridin took a different route. Instead of lounging on a beach, the Calgary Flames rookie traveled to Rockford, Illinois, to compete in the 2026 AHL All-Star Challenge. This appearance was a reward for his impressive first half with the Calgary Wranglers and a key milestone in his development as a player.
Although it wasn’t a typical holiday, the event provided Gridin with a valuable opportunity. The 19-year-old Russian forward was recognized as an AHL All-Star thanks to his strong performances this season, in which he scored 28 points (10 goals, 18 assists) in 34 games. Participating alongside some of the league’s best was something he truly appreciated, describing it as “fun to play with skilled players.”
In his debut game, Gridin not only earned two assists but also earned his All-Star selection, highlighting his steady upward trajectory in his first full professional season. His progress isn’t limited to the AHL; he has also made notable strides in the NHL, having appeared in 13 games for the Flames this season with three goals and three assists. He finished the first part of the season on a high note, recording his first multi-point NHL game with a goal and an assist against the Edmonton Oilers.
Looking ahead, Gridin aims to carry this momentum into the final part of the season. “The second half of the season has been great,” he stated. “I’m just trying to do my best and play the best I can.” Prior to the NHL’s Olympic break, he was reassigned to the Wranglers to ensure he received ample ice time and continued development, aligning with Calgary’s long-term strategy of giving promising young players significant opportunities to grow.
With his confidence bolstered at both the AHL and NHL levels, Gridin’s All-Star appearance symbolizes more than just a midseason accolade—it signals a young player heading firmly in the right direction as the Flames gear up for the season’s final stretch.
Fan Take: This development is exciting for hockey fans because it highlights the importance of nurturing young talent and shows that the sport is invested in developing the next generation of stars. It also signals a bright future for the Flames and the sport overall, as young players like Gridin steadily prove their potential on big stages.
