Gridin Goes First Overall In CHL Import Draft

Flames prospect Matvei Gridin has been selected first overall by the Val-d'Or Foreurs in the CHL Import Draft.

Gridin, who was taken by the Flames with the 28th pick in the NHL Draft last Friday, had 38 goals and 83 points last year with the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the USHL.

The 6-foot-1, 185-lb. left-winger is a University of Michigan commit and grew up idolizing Pavel Datsyuk.

“He's skilled, he’s really, really smart and … Probably the right word is 'cunning,'" said Flames Director of Amateur Scouting Tod Button. "He surveys and pounces. He's really smart like that. He's not going to wow you with energy, but all of a sudden, you look up and he's made like two quick plays and there's a scoring chance.”

“You can see the skill and the hockey IQ. It's a different style. There's a power style and there's a speed style, and his is a cerebral skill. But when he decides what he's going to do, he's quick.

"He's a good player and we're really excited about it.”