Learning his lessons: Calgary Flames winger Matthew Coronato climbing the learning curve of his first professional campaign

Matthew Coronato, like most rookies, has gone through plenty of schooling in his first professional season.

The middle of the campaign has given both the Calgary Flames and the 2021 first-round draft choice an opportunity to see how far Coronato has developed.

After spending the bulk of the last two-plus months with the AHL Wranglers, Coronato, 21, is back with the big club and in the lineup for the Flames when they play host to the Edmonton Oilers in the Saturday night Hockey Day in Canada clash, summoned because of Martin Pospisil’s injury suffered in Thursday’s clash.

Although Coronato’s skills have him pegged to be a goal scorer, he has struggled to provide the punch in his first 11 NHL games this season — in which he has netted one goal and one assist — and had his issues defensively.

“It’s continuing to get comfortable in a lot of different areas,” Coronato said. “I’ve really been trying to focus on being good on both sides of the puck and being good defensively in certain areas. I think continuing to play games and getting comfortable is important.”

Coronato, 21, leads the Wranglers with 12 goals and 29 points — in 27 games — and was selected to AHL All-Star Game.

The Flames believe he has the touch to have an impact at the NHL level, but must develop his all-around game.

Coronato, who said veteran Dryden Hunt has been a source of knowledge while he’s been with the Wranglers and spent plenty of time watching video, has been climbing the steep learning curve.

“I feel every day, whether it’s a practice day or a game day, you just continue in your first year to learn, feel better about yourself,” he said. “That’s definitely been the case.”

With a spot open on the line with Nazem Kadri and fellow NHL rookie Connor Zary, and likely for an extended period, Coronato has an opportunity to perform in a key role.

He also is pegged to be part of the second power-play unit.

“Certain guys don’t belong or don’t really fit on a fourth line,” coach Ryan Huska said. “So if you’re going to get the most out of them and see if they’re ready for the opportunity, they should be given an opportunity. We’re going to see if they can handle the … heavy lifting or role responsibility that comes with playing higher up in the lineup.”