The Calgary Flames announced on Saturday that right winger Matt Coronato has signed a seven-year extension with the team, keeping him in Calgary through the 2031-32 season. The deal is worth $6.5 million annually, with Coronato receiving a 10-team no-trade clause for the final two years of the contract, according to PuckPedia.
A Commitment to the Future
At just 22 years old, Coronato’s new contract takes him into the prime years of his career. With this long-term commitment, the Flames are showing confidence in their young players to lead the team in the future.
“Matt wants to be here long-term, and that says a lot about him and where this is kind of going, moving forward,” said Flames General Manager Craig Conroy in a statement. This signing reflects the team’s direction as they look to build around their younger core to secure a stronger future.
A Breakout Season for Coronato
Coronato’s breakout performance last season was a key factor in the Flames’ decision to lock him down for the long term. In the final year of his entry-level contract, Coronato scored 24 goals and totaled 47 points in 77 games. Only veterans Nazem Kadri and Jonathan Huberdeau had more points than him on the team, highlighting his importance to Calgary’s offense.
He ended the season with a strong finish, recording a seven-game point streak where he scored four goals and added four assists for eight points. His late-season surge helped the Flames make a push for the Stanley Cup playoffs, though they ultimately fell short by a tie-breaker against the St. Louis Blues.
This was Coronato’s first full season in the NHL after making 34 appearances the previous year, primarily with the AHL’s Calgary Wranglers. There, he had a standout season, tallying 42 points in 41 games, along with a strong playoff performance, contributing six points in six games.
Building a Young Core in Calgary
While the Flames narrowly missed the playoffs, the signing of Coronato signals the organization’s focus on its younger players. Securing him through his prime years provides stability as the Flames continue to develop their young talent.
Alongside Coronato, rookie goaltender Dustin Wolf emerged as a key player for Calgary. Wolf appeared in 53 games, posting a 29-16-8 record with a 2.64 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage. His strong performance has further solidified Calgary’s future as they look to build a competitive team around their young core.
The Flames also saw promising performances from Zayne Parekh, the ninth overall pick in the 2024 draft. Parekh made his NHL debut in the final game of the regular season, scoring a goal against the Los Angeles Kings.
The 19-year-old defenseman, who had a stellar season with the OHL’s Saginaw Spirit, is expected to be a key player in Calgary’s future. His impressive offensive skills, including scoring 33 goals and 74 assists in 61 games, could make him a cornerstone of the Flames’ defense in years to come.
Looking Ahead: RFAs and the Future
With the Coronato extension now signed, GM Craig Conroy’s focus shifts to other key restricted free agents (RFAs) heading into next season. Among those are forward Morgan Frost and defenseman Connor Zary.
Frost, who was acquired in a trade with the Philadelphia Flyers in January, contributed six points in his brief time with Calgary. Zary, emerging as a middle-six forward, finished the season with 13 goals and 27 points in 54 games, making him an important piece for the Flames’ future.
Other RFAs that Conroy will need to address include center Sam Morton, right winger Adam Klapka, and defenseman Kevin Bahl. As the Flames continue to build around their young players, these negotiations will be crucial in shaping the team’s roster for the upcoming season.
A Bright Future for the Flames
The signing of Matt Coronato to a seven-year extension is a positive step forward for the Calgary Flames. With a young, talented core led by players like Coronato, Wolf, and Parekh, the Flames are positioning themselves for a brighter future. As they continue to build around their emerging talent, the Flames will look to bounce back stronger and more competitive in the coming seasons.
While there is still work to be done in terms of managing RFAs and shaping the team’s depth, the foundation is now set for Calgary’s next chapter. With Coronato locked in long-term, the Flames have a piece they can build around for years to come as they aim to return to playoff contention and beyond.
