On the ice before a packed practice, Matvei Gridin skated with purpose, the recall from the Calgary Wranglers written into the roster mix. The forward’s return joins defenceman Hunter Brzustewicz’s move back to the NHL, a double recall that alters depth and opportunity for the Flames.
What does Matvei Gridin bring to the Flames?
The recall puts a proven AHL scorer into the NHL group. Matvei Gridin has 10 goals and 29 points in 37 games with the Calgary Wranglers and has already appeared in 18 NHL games this season, registering three goals and seven points with the Flames. Those numbers frame him as a player who has produced reliably at the AHL level and found early offensive traction in limited NHL action.
How does Hunter Brzustewicz fit into the lineup?
Hunter Brzustewicz’s recall brings a puck-moving blueliner back into the Calgary depth chart. With the Wranglers he has four goals and 14 points in 34 games; with the Flames he has played 18 games this season and notched one goal and two points. Recent roster movement and an in-game injury to Zach Whitecloud create openings that could allow Brzustewicz to slot into the bottom pair and re-establish himself at the NHL level.
What immediate impact should fans expect on the road trip?
The Flames begin a five-game road trip on Monday when they face the Washington Capitals at 5: 00 p. m. MT, and they return to the Scotiabank Saddledome on Mar. 18 to host the St. Louis Blues at 7: 30 p. m. MT. The recall timeline positions both players to travel with the team and be available during the stretch of road games. For Gridin, competition for minutes is expected with new additions and existing bottom-six forwards vying for roles; Brzustewicz may see a clearer path into the lineup depending on short-term health and pairings decisions.
The pairings and minutes will determine whether Gridin’s scoring touch translates immediately and whether Brzustewicz can solidify a defensive role. Gridin’s AHL scoring rate and prior NHL appearances suggest offensive upside; Brzustewicz’s puck-moving metrics at the AHL level and his NHL experience this season suggest a depth defence option who can move the puck out of danger.
What does this recall say about organizational priorities?
Bringing Matvei Gridin and Hunter Brzustewicz up from the Calgary Wranglers signals an emphasis on balancing immediate roster needs with continued evaluation of prospects. Gridin’s sustained production in the AHL and early NHL points highlight a player the organization wants to test further against top competition. Brzustewicz’s recall reflects a need for depth on the blue line and an opportunity for him to step into a role created by lineup shifts.
Both players carry statistical momentum from their AHL work into a camp of higher stakes games, and their performance over the coming trips will influence whether they stay with the NHL club or move again as the season unfolds.
Back at the rink where the morning began, Matvei Gridin finished a drill and looked toward the bench — this recall is a new chance to turn AHL production into sustained NHL contribution, and for the Flames it is a measured wager on two players who have produced when called upon.
