With Martin Pospisil's injury putting him on the shelf, the time has come to give the 2021 first-round pick another solid look at the NHL level
Considering his injury history — multiple concussions, shoulder surgery, knee surgery — even if Calgary Flames rookie Martin Pospisil misses a few weeks, it could be considered good news after the hellacious spill he took while crashing into the boards during the 4-3 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Even so, the Flames must add a forward capable of adding energy and a scorer’s touch in his place on a line with Nazem Kadri and Connor Zary.
Sounds like a perfect time for Matt Coronato to return to the NHL.
After making the Flames roster out of training camp and collecting one goal and one assist in 10 games, Coronato has spent the bulk of the season with the AHL Wranglers — save for a one-game call-up last month.
The 2021 first-round draft choice needed time to develop his game in the pro ranks, as most 21-year-olds require.
In 27 AHL games heading into Friday’s road clash with the Coachella Valley Firebirds, Coronato has collected 12 goals and 29 points. He was also selected for the AHL All-Star Game.
It helps that Coronato is a right winger, where Pospisil was skating.
The Flames are able to put Pospisil on injured reserve, so there will be roster space and salary cap room, albeit with some gymnastics.
There are simpler options, such as moving the struggling Dillon Dube or Adam Ruzicka to that spot and inserting the recently summoned Adam Klapka into the lineup.
But these next few games would be a golden time to see how much Coronato has progressed, both with his ability to generate offence but also in the defensive game.