Gridin has exceeded reasonable expectations in his first professional season, splitting time between the Wranglers and the Flames across multiple stints and making a compelling case to stick at the NHL level. His AHL numbers – 10 goals and 20 assists in 37 games – were among the best of any AHL rookie this year, while his nine points in 22 NHL games at 19 years old represent a promising debut at the top level. His average of 2 shots per game is certainly encouraging and while the minus-13 is a concern, it’s not unusual for a young player on a rebuilding team logging middle-six minutes. He started the year on the third line and has since earned a second-line role alongside Morgan Frost and Matt Coronato – a significant vote of confidence from the coaching staff. He looks every bit like a legitimate NHL player already, and with two years remaining on an affordable ELC, Calgary has every reason to keep him in the lineup. An intriguing dynasty play with top-six upside and plenty of minors eligibility left in leagues where that matters.

Gridin’s first season and possibly only season in the QMJHL with the Shawinigan Cataractes was a success. He ran away with the QMJHL scoring race, scoring 79 points (36 goals and 43 assists) in 56 regular-season games. He added 17 points (eight goals and nine assists) in 17 playoff games with the Cataractes. He also led rookies in game-winning goals with five, 15 power play assists, and four shorthanded goals. Showing he can contribute in all situations. He won the Sidney Crosby Trophy as the QMJHL’s top rookie for the 2024-25 season. Gridin was drafted to the QMJHL out of the USHL; therefore, he is eligible to play in the American Hockey League with the Calgary Wranglers in 2025-26 if the Calgary Flames choose to go that route with him. He is already under contract, as he signed a three-year, entry-level deal in July 2024.

Gridin was selected 28th overall by the Flames.

April 2024 Continually frustrating, Gridin’s not shaken things up much this year. Still the ever-impressive playmaker, Gridin’s passing game is deep and complex, with a wide repertoire to account for his good sense of timing. He’s got the skill to make it look pretty, too. And he’s got a quick release to mix in as a changeup, diversifying the ways he can beat you. However, the issues persist; he’s still not creating his chances or being active in his end, nor is he taking advantage of his large frame to battle for pucks. Too often, Gridin will skate into people, expecting the turnover to materialize, just to get blown past. I want to believe in Gridin’s skill, as there’s a lot to like, but he’s got to be even if just a little more engaged shift-to-shift and at 5v5. You can trust the numbers and you can trust the profile, but I don’t know if you trust the player – David Saad

A bona fide triple-threat, Gridin is a monster in the offensive zone, and his highlight reel is nothing to scoff at. Few players possess the skill and intelligence to execute the plays he does, which makes his fluctuating engagement all the more frustrating. He tends to shy away from the physical side of the game and, despite his above-average size, creates a lot of his work through the perimeter and power-play. How effective he will be as a 5v5 forward and if his current style is at all translatable is up for debate. Still, the temptation of one of the best DY scorers in recent USHL history at a pro-ready size is one bet many would gladly take.