Flames Top Pick Showing Improvement Already At Development Camp

The Calgary Flames began their latest development camp this week at WinSport, and while there’s plenty of intriguing names for the future that Flames fans can watch out for, including their top two picks in the 2023 NHL Draft, it’s another former top pick that fans should be keeping a close eye on.

After making his long-awaited Flames debut in the final game of the 2022-23 season, 2021 first-round pick Matt Coronato is shaping up to be one of the biggest pieces of this organizations future, and it appears he’s already showing improvement this off-season. After appearing for Team USA at the recent IIHF World Championship and scoring 3 goals and 5 assists in 10 games, Coronato continues to stamp himself as an offensive threat, with many penciling him in to be a bottom-six forward in the Flames lineup this season.

According to FlamesTV’s Brendan Parker, Coronato has turned up to development camp looking confident, in great shape and most importantly, “he has some swagger to him”, which is exactly what the Flames need from their young players. With Tyler Toffoli being moved, many people assumed that Yegor Sharangovich would simply step into the role alongside Jonathan Huberdeau on the top line, but after an elite career at Harvard, Coronato shouldn’t be discounted for the spot.

In 68 games with Harvard over the past two seasons, Coronato racked up 38 goals to go along with 34 assists, and with an elite shot to go along with a great hockey IQ and motor, he could be one of the biggest keys to this lineup in 2023 if these improvements continue.

So what do you make of this latest observation Flames fans? What is the ceiling for Coronato in his official rookie campaign? Who will he be line mates with this year? what are your expectations for him in Calgary? As always, let us know your thoughts in the comments below.