While their career trajectories might appear to be heading in different directions, both Matvei Gridin and Daniil Miromanov are currently united in their mission to contribute to the Calgary Wranglers. For Gridin, the assignment to the American Hockey League is a temporary step in what promises to be a bright future. For Miromanov, a veteran defenseman, it's another chapter in a professional journey that has seen its share of twists.
From NHL Opener to AHL Standout
The 2025 season began with a dream start for 19-year-old Matvei Gridin. He not only cracked the Calgary Flames' opening-night roster but also celebrated the moment by scoring a goal. His time in the NHL was brief, however. In mid-October, he was reassigned to the AHL's Wranglers to make room for the returning Jonathan Huberdeau.
Rather than dwelling on the demotion, Gridin has channeled his energy into dominating the minor leagues. In just nine outings with the Wranglers, the promising winger has racked up an impressive four goals and seven assists, placing him second in the league's rookie scoring race.
Handling Demotion with a Professional Mindset
Gridin's approach to his current situation is a blend of pride and determination. He acknowledges his productive output but makes no secret of his ultimate goal. "I do pay attention," Gridin said regarding his position on the scoring leaderboard. "Yeah, it's good to be there. But obviously I want to be in 'The Show.'"
He believes his short stint in the NHL has been invaluable, helping him adjust to the pace of professional hockey. "There's not a lot of time to make a play in the NHL. When I played four games, I'm getting used to this," Gridin explained. "Here, I probably get like a half a second more to make a play, so that helps. So just try to keep up the speed of the game, how you play in 'The Show,' and try to do the same here."
A Veteran's Perspective on a Rising Star
While Gridin's star is rapidly rising, his teammate Daniil Miromanov finds himself in a different phase of his career. After starting the season as a frequent scratch with the Flames, the defenseman is now providing veteran leadership for the Wranglers. He has nothing but praise for his young teammate.
"Griddy, he's a stud," Miromanov said after a recent practice at WinSport. "It was awesome to see him do his thing right from the git-go for the Flames, and he's been tearing it up for the Wranglers. He is going to be in the NHL. He's going to be an NHL player. And it's very cool to see his development. He's a great kid."
This dynamic highlights the diverse paths within professional hockey. One player is on the fast track to becoming a household name, while the other provides stability and experience, both sharing the same ice with the same overarching objective: to earn a recall to the NHL.
For Matvei Gridin, his current AHL success is not the end goal, but a means to an end. He sees his offensive production as the most direct path back to the Calgary Flames' lineup. "I think if I will be up there, that probably helps me to be at top of the list of who you call up," he stated matter-of-factly. His performance suggests that call might not be far away.
