The Calgary Flames have kept their promise of injecting more youth into their lineup. However, a dilemma they have recently faced is how to utilize Matt Coronato. The Flames drafted Coronato 13th overall for a reason. His elite shot and offensive skillset project him to be an integral part of the Flames’ future.
Last season, Coronato was somewhat underwhelming at the NHL level. In 34 games with the Flames, he scored just three goals and nine points. The Flames sent him down to the AHL, where he dominated. Coronato was a point-per-game player in 41 games with the Wranglers, putting up 15 goals and 42 points.
Coronato made the official roster this season but has been acting as the Flames’ extra forward. When he got opportunities to play, he was mainly on the fourth line. Many fans have wanted to see Coronato play in the Flames’ top-six, and after his two-goal performance yesterday versus the Chicago Blackhawks, a promotion should be on the table.
Coronato’s development isn’t going to progress without meaningful opportunities
Coronato is not the player who should be stapled to the fourth line. Instead, he should be playing with more skilled players, who will tremendously help his development. What makes the most sense is that Coronato will take Sam Honzek’s spot alongside Nazem Kadri and Andrei Kuzmenko since Honzek is likely to get time in the AHL.
If you know anything about the Flames’ head coach, Ryan Huska, you know he often rewards players who stand out for the right reasons. Coronato was seen taking shifts with Kadri and Kuzmenko near the end of their victory over Chicago, so a promotion may already be in the works.
It’s best for Coronato to be rewarded for his strong play. At only 21, a promotion into the top-six would be a huge confidence booster for a player many fans expect to take a step forward this season.
Flames fans need to trust to process of development
In the past, the Flames have often struggled to develop young players, especially first-round picks. However, fans shouldn’t worry about Coronato—at least not yet.
New management in Calgary seems to have prioritized an environment where young players can smoothly transition into an eventual NHL role. Aspects such as having quality veteran leadership and a coach known for his positive influence on youth definitely help. You also can’t forget how this is still a rebuild, so the Flames have no choice but to focus on youth.
The message is clear: If you put in the work, you’ll see the results. Honzek made the Flames’ opening night roster due to his excellent training camp and preseason, and the circumstances aren’t different for Coronato. While things will get a bit more complicated once Yegor Sharangovich returns from injury, Coronato still needs to prove why he deserves to remain with the team.
Performances like yesterday’s help. I believe Coronato’s role with the Flames will increase steadily as the season progresses, but only if he can take a job through his play.
