The Calgary Flames are in the middle of a tight playoff race in the 2024-25 NHL season, and the pressure is on as they trail the Minnesota Wild and St. Louis Blues by just five points. Despite not being heavily favored heading into the season, the Flames have fought their way into contention.
A big part of their success has come from veteran players like Nazem Kadri and Jonathan Huberdeau, but one player who has stepped up and deserves special recognition is rookie Matt Coronato. At just 22 years old, Coronato is showing incredible promise, with his scoring touch playing a key role in Calgary’s playoff push.
Matt Coronato: A Rising Star
In his first full season with the Calgary Flames, Matt Coronato has emerged as one of the team’s most exciting players. With 23 goals and 19 assists, Coronato has racked up 42 points so far this season, and he’s been one of only three Flames players to hit the 20-goal mark. His scoring prowess, combined with his impressive development as a young player, has made him a valuable asset to the team.
Heading into Friday night’s game against the Minnesota Wild, Coronato is on a mini goal-scoring streak, having scored in each of his last three games. This kind of consistency in scoring is exactly what the Flames need to stay in the playoff race, and it’s clear that Coronato’s growth has been a key factor in their success this year.
A Bright Future with Valuable Mentorship
Coronato’s breakout season can also be credited to the mentorship he’s received from more experienced players. Having the opportunity to play alongside seasoned veterans like Mikael Backlund, Blake Coleman, and Jonathan Huberdeau has been a huge learning experience for him. Coronato has expressed how much he’s learned from his older teammates, who have helped him adjust to the demands of the NHL.
“Getting to play with older guys like Backlund, Coleman, and Huberdeau, I’ve been able to learn a lot this year,” Coronato said. This kind of mentorship has helped accelerate his development, and it’s a big reason why he’s been able to contribute so effectively to the Flames’ success.
The Importance of Consistency
When reflecting on his season, Coronato emphasized the importance of consistency in his game. He believes that being prepared every day, whether for practice or a game, is crucial to maintaining success at the NHL level. “You have to be at your best every day, whether it’s practice or a game,” Coronato explained. “Just preparing to be ready to go every single day is really important.”
This mindset has helped him stay focused and improve his game consistently, which is something that many young players struggle with in the transition to the NHL. For Coronato, this season is about more than just scoring goals — it’s about developing a strong foundation for long-term success in the league.
Flames’ Bright Future and Playoff Hopes
Coronato’s impressive rise is part of a bigger picture for the Calgary Flames. While they still have a lot of work to do to secure a playoff spot, the team’s future looks promising. With a young talent like Coronato continuing to improve and veteran players like Kadri and Huberdeau leading the way, the Flames have the potential to not only make the playoffs this season but to build a competitive team for years to come.
Coronato’s ability to step up in such an important season, combined with his strong work ethic and dedication to improving, makes him one of the key players to watch in the Flames’ playoff push.
Matt Coronato’s breakout season has been a key factor in the Calgary Flames’ fight for a playoff spot in 2024-25. His 23 goals and 42 points are a testament to his skill and growth as a young player, and his consistency and ability to learn from seasoned teammates have helped him thrive. As the Flames continue their battle for a postseason berth, Coronato’s development is a bright spot, and his future with the team looks incredibly promising.
