The Calgary Flames have had a lot of turnover going back to last year. Conversely, that can be an opportunity for some. Highly anticipated prospect Matthew Coronato has had some opportunities at the NHL, but this season will be huge in determining if he has what it takes.
Matthew Coronato the Flames Prospect
The Calgary Flames drafted Matthew Coronato 13th overall in the 2021 NHL entry draft. At the time Coronato profiled as an offensive skill player with good puck-handling and a solid shot.
After being drafted Coronato would go to Harvard for two seasons. In each season he scored 36 points in 24 games. At Harvard, he was known more as a shooter than a playmaker. He had a quick catch-and-release shot that made it difficult for defenders to get in front of. His deceptive release made him effective at that level and is something that should translate to the NHL.
At the end of his second season at Harvard, he signed his entry-level contract with Calgary and played one game with the Flames at the end of the 2022-2023 season. Despite not recording any points, Coronato captured the attention of Flames fans.
First Season In Professional Hockey
Heading into the 2023-2024 season, expectations were high for Coronato. Fans were excited at the potential of an offensively skilled right-shot winger to help on the power play and boost the Flames’ goal-scoring. Coronato had a great training camp and made the Flames roster heading into the season. Unfortunately, he struggled with consistency and wasn’t able to make as much of an impact as needed. During his 34 games in the NHL Coronato scored 3 goals and 9 points. Coronato was passed on the Flames depth chart by fellow rookies Connor Zary and Martin Pospisil. Though this was good for the Flames organization, it put pressure on Coronato. He no longer had as many opportunities to play with top offensive players, or get power play time.
He spent the majority of his season with the Calgary Wranglers in the AHL scoring at a point-per-game pace. Coronato proved he has what it takes to be an impact player in the AHL. This earned him a recall towards the end of the season. When Coronato was brought back to the Flames, he spent time on the fourth line. Although he was fine in this role, the Flames organization is certainly hoping for bigger things from him heading into this season.
The Path to the NHL
Coronato appears to be the odd man out heading into the 2024-2025 season in Calgary. With the additions of Andrei Kuzmenko last season and Anthony Mantha this offseason and the breakout years from Zary and Pospisil, there does not appear to be an open spot in the Flames top nine. It’s not likely the Flames will want Coronato on a fourth line in the NHL with reduced minutes. This means he’s more likely to begin the season back in the AHL. The reality for Coronato is that he needs to be contributing offensively on a regular basis. He profiles as a scorer, so no matter how well he plays away from the puck, if he isn’t scoring the Flames aren’t likely to keep him up. They’d rather give him time in the AHL to continue to develop in hopes he can pop in the NHL.
In the AHL, Coronato will need to continue where he left off last year, putting up points and being a key contributor for the Wranglers. He will likely be the first call up when injuries happen for the Flames. If he can come up and contribute he’ll strengthen his case to stay with the big club. There’s a good chance the Flames will be moving out some more veteran players before the trade deadline this season. Coronato may need to be patient and continue to work on his game in the AHL until trades take place and he gets another opportunity to prove himself.
Whenever Matthew Coronato gets his opportunity he will need to be ready to prove he belongs in the NHL with the Flames. This season is his final year on his entry-level contract. His production at the NHL level will have a lot to do in determining his next contract and future with the Flames. His season will be keenly observed by Flames fans, all of whom are hoping for Coronato to become the scorer he profiled as when he was drafted.
Main Photo Credit: Sergei Belski – USA TODAY Sports
