Newly signed 2021 first-round draft Matt Coronato hits the ice in Calgary. No word when he will play
Matt Coronato received his first taste of NHL life during Tuesday’s morning skate as the Calgary Flames prepared to face the Los Angeles Kings.
Coronato, the 20-year-old right winger drafted in the first round in 2021 was given No. 39 and hit the ice for the session. He is not expected to play tonight against the Kings and there is firm plan when he would suit up — especially while the club has playoff hopes — but the experience is an important beginning to his next chapter.
“When I walked in here today, it really started to sink in,” Coronato told reporters. “Getting to meet the guys and talk to everyone, it’s been really cool.”
Coronato signed after his sophomore season at Harvard University. He collected 20 goals and 36 points in 34 games for the Crimson.
The next while will be all about soaking in everything, both on and off the ice, and becoming comfortable.
“I’m trying to learn as much as I can from the staff and all of the guys. This team’s got a lot of players with a lot of experience. I’m lucky to be able to talk to them and learn from them,” he said.
“It’s the next level, right. It’s a lot faster, a lot bigger, a lot stronger,” he added. “It’s tough to tell after just one short skate but there’s a lot that goes into it.”
The Flames, who sit four points out of a playoff spot with eight games remaining, will go with the same lineup as Saturday’s 5-3 win over the San Jose Sharks, including Jacob Markstrom in goal.
The Kings sit two points back of Vegas for top spot in the Pacific Division and Western Conference, and are on a 10-0-2 run, which includes an 8-2 thumping of the Flames just over a week ago.
“You just got to know your opponent and go from there,” coach Darryl Sutter said. “We know what we’re up against.”
Los Angeles is expected to start Joonas Korpisalo in goal. The Kings will be without forward 23-goal scorer Gabe Vilardi due to injury.
During warmup, the Flames will be wearing Pride Night jerseys. As of now, there was no word of any players opting out.
“Everybody’s on-board in this room,” defenseman MacKenzie Weegar said. “Everybody’s comfortable wearing the jersey. A lot of us spoke about it and not one guy had a disagreement. Everybody’s welcome in this dressing room and this arena.”