When it was announced that Calgary Flames 2024 first round pick Matvei Gridin would skip the NCAA and instead join the QMJHL for his age 18 season with the Shawinigan Cataractes, there was strong belief that his impact would be immediate.

Scoring 79 points (36+43) through 56 games, he had surpassed most expectations -- leading his team and all rookies in point scoring. His play this season was good enough to win the Sidney-Crosby trophy for QMJHL rookie of the year.

Gridin has become the 14th import, and fourth Russian to win the award since the trophy's original unveiling in the 1991-92 season. The last Russian player to win the award is former Columbus Blue Jackets and Ottawa Senators forward Vitaly Abramov.

The finalists for the trophy included 2025 NHL draft prospect goaltender Lucas Beckman (Baie-Comeau) and 2026 NHL draft prospect goaltender William Lacelle (Rimouski).

Projected 2025 NHL First Rounder Traded To Blainville Bill Zonnon's rise this season to first round considerations for the 2025 NHL draft was meteoric. Not to discount his 58-point season last year (18+40), but he was considered by most as a second or third round player at season's start.

Never want to miss out on any QMJHL news? Make sure to book mark THN's QMJHL site.