The Calgary Flames aren’t expected to make much noise this season, but they have had a good start with a record of 7-5-1. Their most recent victory came off the bat of a highly anticipated youngster in Matt Coronato.

After scoring late in the third period to tie the game against the Montreal Canadiens, Coronato scored the game-winner for the Flames just seven seconds into overtime. It was Coronato’s second two-goal game this season, but he’s not a regular on the NHL roster.

The Flames briefly sent the 21-year-old forward to their AHL affiliate, the Calgary Wranglers, where he played in two games, adding another two-goal game.

Is Coronato ready to become a full-time NHL player? Craig Button, TSN analyst praised Coronato and his abilities at the highest level of the sport.

“Certainly, when Matt was sent to the American Hockey League team, his game improved,” Button said. “You can just see the confidence building. Not just Matt Coronato, but a young team.

Button then explained that the Flames have one of the best youth teams in the NHL. Coronato is just another young part of a roster that includes forward Conor Zary and goaltender Dustin Wolf. Both should become centerpieces of the Flames organization moving forward.

“This is a hard-playing Calgary team,” Button said. “They’re courageous, they’re not going to let themselves be pushed around…That’s what we can expect all year.”

Coronato was a first-round pick (13th overall) of the Flames in 2021. He played in 34 NHL games during the 2023-24 season and scored nine total points (3G-6A). In 41 games at the AHL level last year, he recorded a dominant 42 points (15G-27A) in 41 games.

The flames I believe they have something special with Coronato, he just needs to find that success consistently when playing in the NHL. A tying goal followed by a one-man show winner in overtime should be a huge boost to his position in the lineup.

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