Flames seeing major growth in Coronato’s game: “I’m really excited for him”

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Matt Coronato looks like a completely different player for the Calgary Flames in his second season in the pro ranks.

Coronato, who was selected 13th overall in 2021, has always been viewed as a player with potential to be a gamebreaker at the NHL level. That said, his rookie season made it look as though he still had a ways to go, as he looked quite tentative in his 34 NHL games, resulting in a rather disappointing three goals and nine points.

What gave Flames fans promise moving forward was the fact that Coronato had no issues whatsoever when it came to producing in the AHL, as he scored 15 goals and 42 points in 41 games with the Calgary Wranglers. That production is beginning to quickly shift to the NHL.

Coronato played hero for the Flames last night, as he scored two goals (including the game-winner) in a 3-2 overtime victory over the Montreal Canadiens.

“I thought he was very competitive, and those were two great individual plays,” head coach Ryan Huska said. “He put himself in an excellent position where he was able to show off his shot. That’s what he’s all about. I’m really excited for him.”

Both goals prove just how confident he is with the puck on his stick compared to a year ago. Last season, he was often trying to defer to his teammates, something that isn’t at all unusual in a young player. Early on this year, it’s quite apparent how much more comfortable he feels.

“You just want to go out there and help,” Coronato said after his two-goal outing. “Be responsible, and make a play when you get an opportunity to.”

So far this season, Coronato has made the most of his opportunities, and it’s not going unnoticed.

The 21-year-old had been assigned to the Wranglers after five games with the Flames this season and had every right to be frustrated given that he had been playing quite well. Instead, he went down, worked hard, was rewarded with two goals in two games, and was quickly recalled as a result.

Based on last night’s performance, it doesn’t appear that Coronato will be back in the AHL any time soon. He’s now up to four goals in just eight games, which is just one shy of Jonathan Huberdeau for the team lead.

Though it may still take a bit of time for this Flames team to develop into a true contender, showings like we saw from Coronato last night are a good reminder of how bright the future is in Calgary.

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