The Calgary Flames have assigned forward Matt Coronato to their AHL affiliate, the Calgary Wranglers. This move, while somewhat discouraging for fans who saw Coronato working hard and looking solid in recent games, is likely a strategic decision as the Flames make room for the likely return of Yegor Sharangovich and, eventually, Samuel Honzek.
Coronato does not require waivers to be demoted, which likely played a role in the decision.
Coronato, who posted an impressive 15 goals and 42 points in 41 games with the Wranglers last season, will be a strong addition to their lineup as they face four road games over the next six days. Getting plenty of playing time is not the worst thing for his development.
Despite his solid play and versatility with the Flames, he didn’t necessarily do enough to force the organization’s hand in his favor. He has two goals this season, but no other points.
Essentially, Eric Francis points out, Coronato finds himself caught in a “numbers game.” Sharangovich, expected to become a key offensive contributor, is coming off a 31-goal debut season. It’s not a difficult decision as to which player the team should prioritize.
Coronato’s skill set may not be an ideal fit for a bottom-six NHL role, where defensive awareness is prioritized. However, he’s demonstrated increased physicality, logging 10 hits over his last five games, a trait that bodes well for his development. He may be back up with the big club sooner than later.
Coronato is Calgary’s 2021 first-round pick and has appeared in 40 NHL games, spending last season between the NHL and AHL. In 2023-24, Coronato posted 15 goals and 27 assists, totaling 42 points in 45 games with the AHL’s Wranglers. He struggled to transition that into consistent NHL production, posting three goals and six assists in 34 games for the Flames.
