Name a player on the Calgary Flames with a quicker, more deceptive release than Matt Coronato.

Go ahead. I’ll wait.

Sure, Yegor Sharangovich might come to mind. He’s got a laser of a shot when he decides to unleash it. But that’s the thing—he picks his spots. Coronato, on the other hand, doesn’t need an invitation. The kid has a shoot-first mentality that few young players possess, and that trait is quickly becoming his calling card.

Last season, the Greenlawn, New York native peppered opposing goaltenders with a career-high 180 shots on net. That’s not just volume—it’s confidence, instinct, and opportunity all rolled into one. For a 22-year-old still finding his full stride in the NHL, Coronato is already showing signs of becoming a lethal offensive threat for years to come.

The Flames clearly agree.

Back on May 3, 2025, Calgary locked up the talented winger to a seven-year, $45.5 million contract extension—an average annual value of $6.5 million. It was a decisive move from GM Craig Conroy, ensuring that one of the team’s most promising young players remains a central piece of the puzzle deep into the next decade.

And frankly, the deal could end up looking like a bargain.

Coronato didn’t just earn the extension—he demanded it with his play. In the final season of his three-year entry-level contract, the former 13th overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft finished third on the Flames in both goals (24) and points (47). He consistently found ways to contribute, whether on the power play, at even strength, or in key moments late in games. His offensive instincts, combined with a tireless work ethic, make him a player you can build around.

Here’s how Coronato’s numbers stacked up in 2024-25:

• Goals: 24 (3rd on team)
• Assists: 23
• Points: 47 (T-3rd on team)
• Shots on Goal: 180
• Power Play Goals: 5
• Game-Winning Goals: 4
• Shooting Percentage: 13.3%

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Off the ice, Coronato is as humble and likeable as they come. He’s the kind of guy teammates rally around—low maintenance, high impact. But make no mistake: it’s not his personality that got him paid. It’s the production. It’s the trajectory. It’s the fact that he’s still getting better.

If the Flames are betting on Coronato to be a core offensive driver as they reshape their roster for the future, it’s a safe bet. He’s got the tools, the temperament, and most importantly, the trigger.

If he keeps shooting the way he has, he might just find his way into the upper echelon of NHL scorers—maybe even before this new deal hits the halfway mark.

One thing’s for sure: no one’s telling Coronato to shoot the puck.

He already knows.

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