Welcome back to The Win Column Calgary Flames Prospect Rankings. Coming in at #3 this year is Matthew Coronato. The Harvard alum makes his third appearance on the annual prospect list, ranking #2 last offseason and #3 in the summer of 2022.
Coronato will enter his second pro season this fall and it’s still unsure whether it will begin with the Flames or the Wranglers. Coronato has been a top-three prospect in the Flames system since being drafted and at 21 years old, would be an ideal fit in Craig Conroy’s future core.
Coronato’s development so far
Coronato was selected 13th overall by the Flames in 2021. In his draft year, Coronato was a standout in the USHL, scoring 48 goals and 85 points in 51 games with the Chicago Steel. He led the league in scoring and finished second in points, earning himself the USHL forward of the year.
After being selected by the Flames, Coronato opted to continue his hockey career at Harvard. During his freshman season, Coronato scored 18 goals and 36 points in 34 games, earning Ivy League Rookie of the Year, ECAC All-Rookie team honours and All-Ivy League team honours. On top of that, Coronato led Harvard to the ECAC championship while earning tournament MVP. During the impressive start to his NCAA career, Coronato also earned a spot on the USA World Junior team, scoring four goals and seven points in five games.
In 2022–23, Coronato continued to display his prolific goal-scoring, tallying 20 goals and 36 points in 34 games. The slight bump in goal production saw Coronato earn second-team All-American East honours, All-Ivy League first-team honours as well as a Harvard nomination for the Hobey Baker Award.
After his college season ended, Coronato made his NHL debut with the Flames in their final game of the season. After that, he headed to the World Championships with Team USA, playing 10 games and recording three goals and eight points to fit in well with the raised competition.
Last season, Coronato made the Flames opening day lineup, playing in 10 games to start the season. His play, along with much of the team’s, was underwhelming, to say the least. After a couple of months with the Wranglers and some improved play, Coronato was welcomed back to the big club in January, although only for a cup of coffee. Coronato was sent back down after a few games but continued to turn heads with the Wranglers, earning an AHL Pacific All-Star selection. Returning to the Flames in mid-March, Coronato finished the season with the team before returning to the Wranglers for their playoff run.
All in all, Coronato finished his first pro season with 34 NHL games, tallying three goals and nine points, and 41 AHL games scoring 15 goals and 42 points. Throw in a goal and six points in six AHL playoff games and you’ve got a decent first season, but still not up to the Flames expectations.
Coronato’s strengths and weaknesses
It’s no surprise that Coronato has always been touted as a great goal scorer. His play reflects it and it’s long been one of the most valuable parts of his game. His shot is strong and versatile, getting it off accurately from far while also having the ability to work in tight around the net.
His first career NHL goal showcases how quickly and accurately he can release his shot down low.
Outside of his shooting ability, Coronato has great patience with the puck and good vision. This patient goal from December with the Wranglers is a perfect example of Coronato’s goal-scoring versatility.
Beyond his goal-scoring ability, Coronato is a solid all-around player. He has great compete and isn’t afraid to get into the dirty area despite his size. He’s not the quickest guy on the ice but he utilized his body position better as the season progressed to win more battles and moved the puck well in the offensive zone.
This shift from rookie camp this spring showcases some of those compete skills off the puck as well as his passing. Despite the drop pass from Coronato to Parkeh resulting in a turnover, the group looked great together.
As far as weaknesses go, Coronato is a strong all-around player that ultimately needs to find more consistency in his game.
Coronato’s next steps
The 21-year-old American goal scorer will enter his second pro season right on the bubble. Offseason signings of Anthony Mantha and Ryan Lomberg take two roster spots away immediately. Meanwhile, Jakob Pelletier and Samuel Honzek are also in the conversation to crack the roster out of camp.
In terms of what’s next for Coronato, it needs to be consistency—especially at the NHL level. There were flashes of great play last season but doing the little things consistently is going to keep Matthew in the lineup.
Calgary Flames 2024 Top 15 Prospects
Honourable Mentions | #15 William Stromgren | #14 Jacob Battaglia | #13 Aydar Suniev | #12 Luke Misa | #11 Etienne Morin | #10 Henry Mews | #9 Samuel Honzek | #8 Matvei Gridin | #7 Jakob Pelletier | #6 Andrew Basha | #5 Jeremie Poirier | #4 Hunter Brzustewicz | #3 Matt Coronato | #2 Dustin Wolf | #1 Zayne Parekh
