Shawinigan Cataractes forward Matvei Gridin (Photo: Vincent Letourneau)The Shawinigan Cataractes secured their star last season in Calgary Flames first round draft pick, Russian forward Matvei Gridin.
With Gridin at the forefront, the Cataractes made it all the way to the QMJHL semi-finals on the back of a 79 point rookie campaign (36+43). However, his time with the Cataractes and in the QMJHL may be over sooner than anticipated, as a report from Matthew Vachon of La Nouvelliste indicates that the expectation is that he will turn pro within the Calgary Flames organization.
Normally, major junior players must wait until at least their age 20 season before making the jump to the AHL due to the existing agreement between the NHL and CHL. However, as Gridin was drafted from the USHL, that stipulation does not apply and he would be able to join the Calgary Wranglers one season earlier than anticipated.
Losing their star player would be a massive blow for the Cataractes, who would otherwise be in a position to remain as a contender.
The team will have to leverage it's two open import slots to acquire established talents. Additionally they could look to bring in former Cataractes first rounder, and 2025 NHL draft eligible, Jeremy Loranger who just led the BCHL in points last season with 105 (40+65), however GM Martin Mondou has indicated that there are no plans as of yet for his arrival on the team.
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