There’s a real buzz building as the Calgary Flames gear up for the 2025–26 season. The team is shaking things up—young, speedy, and full of promise. And right in the middle of it all? Matthew Coronato, the Harvard alum, is ready to take his game to the next level under head coach Ryan Huska.
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Coronato isn’t just another name on the depth chart anymore—he’s becoming a player people watch for when the game tightens up. He’s the kind of skater who might not need a complete shift to change momentum. Just a second of space, a clean look, and the puck’s in the net. Could he be a reliable option the Flames’ coaching staff leans on? That’s the hope.
The Road to Breakout for Coronato
What’s turning heads isn’t just the stat sheet—it’s how Coronato carries himself. Before turning pro, he spent two years developing at Harvard University (2021-22 and 2022-23), where he combined elite academics with high-level hockey. He demonstrated early on that he possessed the discipline and hockey IQ necessary to make an impact at the next level. It’s not about the numbers here—it’s about watching a player settle in and grow in real time.
With 112 NHL games under his belt, Coronato has gone from “trying to keep up” to “controlling the pace” in just a matter of months. That kind of growth is rare, and it’s a credit to both the player and the coaching staff around him.
Why Huska Might Be Coronato’s Perfect Spark
Huska isn’t a “throw-you-under-the-bus” kind of coach. He gives players structure, but also room to breathe. A coach who builds rather than breaks—sets clear expectations, but lets players learn and gel. That’s precisely the kind of space a player like Coronato needs—and one reason fans love this pairing.
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Huska doesn’t ask young players to be perfect. He asks them to be smart, to compete, and to get better every day. And when they do, they’re rewarded with trust and ice time. That’s not lip service. It’s part of how the Flames are trying to reshape their culture.
Coronato’s Working to Find the Right Fit in the Flames’ Lineup
In today’s NHL, skill alone isn’t enough—players need the proper context. Huska’s system—fastpuck movement, clever positioning, and aggressive transitions—plays right into Coronato’s strengths: knowing where to be, timing shots, and making things happen, even in tight spaces. He’s not being shoehorned into someone else’s mould; he’s being put in a spot to shine.
Maybe most important of all, he looks comfortable. You can see it in his decisions, his posture on the puck, and how he reads the game. He’s not guessing anymore. He’s playing with purpose.
Coronato’s Contract Extension Was a Vote of Long-Term Confidence
In May, Coronato signed a seven-year extension with the Flames, and that says a lot about how much the team believes in him. With an average annual value of $6.5 million, it’s clear that management, the coaches, and the front office see him as a key part of the future.
Deals like this aren’t given out lightly—it’s a real vote of confidence. According to General Manager Craig Conroy, Coronato is considered a core piece moving forward. If so, it’s exciting for the franchise and the city. It’s also the kind of deal that shows the team is serious about building around the right people, not just names, but players who reflect the culture they want to create.
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Imagine Coronato stepping into 2025–26 with poise, making space, creating momentum, and slowly earning more trust from Huska in big moments. Not flashy—but effective. Not always the marquee name, but quietly influential.
Expect him to be in the mix when the game’s on the line. You’ll see him on the ice when Calgary needs a clean zone entry, a spark off the rush, or a key goal on the man advantage. If he keeps building like this? He could become the type of player you made a line—or even a system—around.
Why Coronato’s Emergence Matters to Flames Fans
Calgary hasn’t had a youthful, homegrown offensive standout in a while. Coronato feels like the reset button—and now, locked in long term, he could become the kind of player Flames fans rally behind.
He’s not just a prospect anymore; with 77 of his 112 NHL games played during the 2024-25 season, he’s becoming part of the identity the team is rebuilding around. He’s a part of the reason to believe in the “Flaming C” again. A reason to show up, tune in, and invest emotionally. That matters just as much as the goals and assists.
The Bottom Line for Coronato and the Flames
Coronato’s skill and instincts, combined with Huska’s patient, structure-first coaching—this feels like the moment it all clicks. The real question now isn’t if he’ll make an impact—it’s when fans will be sitting up in the third period, hoping he lights the lamp again.
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Last season, the Flames were a surprise in the Pacific Division. Can they take an even bigger step this season? It certainly looks like the pieces are being carefully put into place for that to happen. If so, Calgary’s fans will have plenty to cheer about as this young team continues to grow and impress.
[Note: I’d like to thank Brent Bradford (PhD) for his help co-authoring this post. His profile can be found at www.linkedin.com/in/brent-bradford-phd-3a10022a9]
