By Russ Cohen
Matt Coronato is a burgeoning forward in the NHL. I remember him in his draft year and the confidence he had as a player. One important thing he told me that I remember was the fact that he can play either side on the wing. I knew his versatility and speed were going to get him to the NHL.
I ranked him 22nd in my final version. He was taken 13th. At the time, I supported the pick and the Flames being aggressive for a player they liked. He’s 5’10” and I must point it out every time a player of his stature makes it. Here was my projection for him:
Projection: Likely bottom six player with second-line potential. He is a first-round talent. He brings a lot to a team and there’s no column for that on the scoresheet.
He’s a rink rat and that’s going to get him close to the 60-point player instead of 40-45. That extra drive is starting to show up for him and will this upcoming season.
Today, it looks like Coronato will hit the high mark of his potential and stay on the second line. I see no reason why he won’t be there in the future, but sometimes there’s ups and downs with young players and we have to remember that he’s just 22 when the season starts.
All in all, Coronato was a great pick, and the early returns were as good as the Flames could have imagined.
