By Alex Russo,The Win Column

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The Calgary Flames played their two games of their prospect showcase this past weekend against the Edmonton Oilers, and they came out with two wins. It was an exciting couple of games for Flames fans. We got to see some of the Flames’ prospects up close before training camp kicks off.

The Flames were without some of their top prospects, including Zayne Parekh, Cole Reschny, and Cullen Potter. However, they had some of their other top-skilled players, including Aydar Suniev, Sam Honzek, Andrew Basha, Jacob Battaglia, and Hunter Brzustewicz. However, no player made more noise than 2024 first-round pick Matvei Gridin.

Gridin was outstanding over the two games. Even though it was an extremely small sample size, he may have turned heads in the Flames brass. He may have put himself in a position to push for a spot on the Flames when training camp opens.

Gridin’s strengths were showcased

Gridin stood out for all the right reasons over the weekend. He played to his strengths, and he excelled over the two games. Gridin plays a very high-paced game with lots of speed. He shoots the puck a lot, and his energy level is always at the highest it can be. He was everywhere, and he stood out on every shift that he played on the weekend.

His shot is obviously his best asset. He was shooting from everywhere over the weekend, and it helped him net two goals in as many games. It was his best asset in his draft year, when he led the USHL in scoring, and it was his best asset that led him to a fantastic year in the QMJHL.

The hope is now for him to take that to his first professional season. Along with the shot, which is lethal, his speed almost came as a second thought. Gridin was flying. He was getting around defenders with ease, and I, for one, didn’t realize the speed that he possesses.

He was probably the most skilled player on the Flames over the weekend, and it was very evident. Gridin played to his full capabilities, and he made a lasting impression on everyone. He made everyone on the ice better, and he can now take this momentum into training camp, where the real work and pressure begin.

Could Gridin make the Flames?

It may be a little premature, but there could be a decent chance that Gridin can force his way onto the Flames roster if he continues his great play into training camp. The Flames are familiar with this kind of quick progression. Last season, Honzek burst out onto the scene with a great training camp and forced his way onto the Flames. He only played five games for the team, but something like that happening was unexpected, so maybe we will see a trend.

The main issue is that the Flames’ forward group is already so crowded. There really may only be a spot or two up for grabs. Gridin will not only have to have a great camp, but he will also need to beat out players who were regulars on the roster. I’m looking specifically at Ryan Lomberg and Adam Klapka.

However, Gridin brings something to the table that the Flames don’t have a ton of on the current roster. Excellent speed and a wicked shot. The Flames aren’t the fastest team, and they may only have one pure goal-scorer on the roster in Matt Coronato. Gridin’s top-end skill could be really useful at the NHL level. But if it’s in a fourth-line role, that really seems like it may not be the best for his development.

If he comes in and takes a job from someone within the top nine, then that is one thing, because he will be getting the ice time needed to succeed. However, I don’t think it would be in the Flames’ best interest to have him playing in a diminished depth role as opposed to getting a ton of minutes with the Calgary Wranglers.

In short, yes, I do think there’s a chance that he forces the Flames’ hand into a roster spot, at least to start the season. When injuries do happen, he may be the choice for the Flames to bring up when a player is needed. He will need to come into camp and earn that spot, though.

Come in and take a spot

Craig Conroy said earlier in the summer that if the young guys want a spot on the roster, then they will have to come and take it. That is what Gridin will be trying to accomplish when camp opens up.

The Flames have always had an “always earned, never given” mentality. Like I mentioned above, that was evident when Honzek made the team a season ago. Gridin will be trying to follow the same path this season.

I have no doubt in my mind that Gridin will see NHL games this season. He’ll just have to produce and do the right things at the AHL level. However, there may be that outside chance that he sees those NHL games much earlier than we expected.