Matthew Coronato Bio
Matthew Coronato is an American professional ice hockey player who serves as a winger for the Calgary Flames of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on November 14, 2002, in Huntington, New York, Coronato developed his passion for hockey after attending New York Islanders games as a child. The Calgary Flames selected him with the 13th overall pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, and he completed his collegiate career at Harvard University before turning professional. Coronato signed a seven-year, $45.5 million contract extension with the Flames in May 2025, securing his future with the organization through the 2025–26 season.
Early Life and Background
Coronato was born in Huntington, New York, and grew up in Greenlawn, New York. He comes from an athletic family as his father, Richard Coronato, played college lacrosse at the College of the Holy Cross. His younger brother, Jake Coronato, also pursued hockey, giving Matthew a built-in teammate and rival during his formative years. Coronato is of Italian descent. He attended St. Charles East High School in St. Charles, Illinois, while playing for the Chicago Steel in the United States Hockey League (USHL).
After becoming inspired by attending New York Islanders games as a child, Coronato began his organized hockey journey with the Long Island Royals in the Long Island Amateur Hockey League, where he played for six seasons. He then joined the New Jersey Colonials U14 program for the 2016–17 season, ranking second on the team with 18 goals and 29 assists for 47 points through 21 games. He also played with the Long Island Gulls while winning a New York Catholic State Championship as a sophomore for St. Anthony’s High School in 2018.
Path to Hockey
For the 2018–19 season, Coronato enrolled at the Salisbury School in Connecticut, a renowned preparatory school that has produced numerous NHL players. During his time at Salisbury, he announced his commitment to play collegiate hockey at Harvard University. That same year, the Chicago Steel selected Coronato in their USHL Futures Draft, recognizing his potential as a future impact player.
After his preparatory school year, Coronato joined the Chicago Steel for the 2019–20 season. As a rookie in the USHL, he recorded 18 goals and 22 assists for 40 points through 45 games, ranking fourth among league rookies. His performance earned him a season-best nine-game point streak and a spot on the USHL All-Rookie Second Team. His physical style of play, bulldozing through opponents into the offensive zone, earned him the nickname “Bison” from teammates and coaches.
Matthew Coronato Career
USHL Breakthrough (2019–2021)
Coronato returned to the Chicago Steel for the 2020–21 season and established himself as one of the most dominant players in the league. He set multiple USHL and franchise records, leading the league with 17 goals and 40 points through the first 19 games. He produced a point in all 19 games that season, setting a new USHL record that included 13 multi-point performances.
Throughout the season, Coronato recorded the highest single-season goal total ever for a Steel player and became Chicago’s all-time leader in career goals. During the 2021 Clark Cup playoffs, he led all USHL skaters with nine goals and 13 points in eight games, helping the Steel capture the championship. His outstanding season earned him USHL Forward of the Year honors and a selection to the All-USHL First Team. Leading up to the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, the NHL Central Scouting Bureau ranked him as the ninth-best eligible North American skater.
Harvard Crimson (2021–2023)
Following his NHL draft, Coronato played in the All-American Game for 2021 draft prospects before joining the Harvard Crimson for the 2021–22 season. He made an immediate impact, recording his first collegiate goal shorthanded in a 9–3 win over Dartmouth on October 29. In that same game, he added two more goals and two assists for a four-point night in the Crimson’s home opener.
By early December, Coronato earned ECAC Hockey Rookie of the Week recognition and earned a spot on the United States’ World Junior preliminary roster. As the regular season concluded, he scored two goals and two assists in a pivotal win over Clarkson that propelled Harvard into the ECAC championship game. He continued his development as a two-way forward, showcasing the scoring touch and physicality that made him a top draft prospect.
Calgary Flames Era (2023–Present)
After completing his sophomore season with Harvard, Coronato concluded his collegiate career by signing a three-year, entry-level contract with the Calgary Flames on March 26, 2023. He immediately joined the Flames for the remainder of the 2022–23 season, wearing number 27. For the 2023–24 season, Coronato split time between the Flames and their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Calgary Wranglers. On January 10, 2024, he was named as the Wranglers’ representative to the 2024 AHL All-Star Classic alongside teammate Dustin Wolf.
The 2024–25 season marked Coronato’s breakthrough at the NHL level. He scored 24 goals and recorded 47 points in his first full-time NHL season, demonstrating the offensive prowess that made him a first-round draft pick. After the season concluded, Coronato signed a landmark seven-year, $45.5 million contract extension with the Calgary Flames on May 3, 2025, solidifying his role as a cornerstone player for the franchise’s future.
Playing Style and Strengths
Coronato is known for his aggressive, north-south playing style and his ability to drive to the net with power and determination. His nickname “Bison” reflects his physical approach, as he consistently bulldozed through opponents when entering the offensive zone during his junior career. He possesses a quick release and strong wrist shot, complementing his playmaking ability and hockey intelligence. His two-way game developed significantly during his time at Harvard, making him a complete forward capable of contributing in all situations.
Notable Events and Milestones
Several defining moments have shaped Coronato’s early professional career. Being selected 13th overall by the Calgary Flames in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft represented his first major milestone. His USHL record of producing a point in 19 consecutive games and becoming the Chicago Steel’s all-time leading goal scorer established his credentials as an elite prospect. The transition to Harvard and immediate success there demonstrated his ability to compete at the collegiate level, while his 24-goal performance in the 2024–25 NHL season confirmed his readiness for professional hockey at the highest level.
Matthew Coronato Career Statistics
Coronato has compiled impressive statistics across his amateur and professional career. In the USHL, he established himself as one of the most prolific scorers in league history, setting franchise and league records. At Harvard, he immediately became a top-line player and national junior candidate. His first full NHL season resulted in 24 goals and 47 points, demonstrating his offensive potential at the professional level.
NHL Highlights
Coronato’s rookie NHL season (2024–25) stands as his most notable professional achievement thus far. After spending part of his first professional year adjusting to the speed and physicality of the NHL, he emerged as a consistent scoring threat in his first full season with 24 goals and 47 points. This performance earned him a long-term contract extension and positioned him as a key piece of the Flames’ rebuild.
International Competition
During his collegiate career, Coronato received recognition at the international level. While at Harvard, he earned a spot on the United States’ preliminary roster for the World Junior Championship, representing one of the highest honors for junior-aged players in American hockey. This selection validated his standing as one of the top American prospects in his draft class.
| Season | Team | League | Games | Goals | Assists | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019–20 | Chicago Steel | USHL | 45 | 18 | 22 | 40 |
| 2020–21 | Chicago Steel | USHL | 48 | 38 | 31 | 69 |
| 2021–22 | Harvard Crimson | NCAA | 34 | 16 | 18 | 34 |
| 2022–23 | Harvard Crimson | NCAA | 36 | 22 | 23 | 45 |
| 2024–25 | Calgary Flames | NHL | 82 | 24 | 23 | 47 |
Matthew Coronato Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Coronato comes from a family with deep athletic roots. His father, Richard Coronato, played college lacrosse at the College of the Holy Cross, Division I. His mother is Samantha Coronato. His younger brother, Jake Coronato, also pursued hockey, providing Matthew with a competitive sibling who pushed him throughout their youth. This family environment of athletic competition helped shape Coronato’s competitive drive and work ethic.
Personal Life
Coronato was born and raised in Huntington, New York, and continues to reside in Greenlawn, New York, during the offseason. He attended St. Charles East High School in Illinois while playing for the Chicago Steel. After his hockey career takes him to Calgary during the season, he maintains strong connections to his Long Island roots. He is of Italian descent and has credit for his academic achievements at both St. Charles East High School and Harvard University.
2025–26 Season Performance
The 2025–26 season marks Coronato’s second full NHL campaign and his first season under his new seven-year, $45.5 million contract. Entering the season with increased expectations, he is expected to build on his 24-goal breakout performance from the previous year. The Calgary Flames organization has identified Coronato as a foundational piece of their long-term plans, providing him with every opportunity to develop into a top-line forward.
Working alongside established veterans and young teammates in Calgary, Coronato continues to refine his two-way game while maintaining the physical edge that defined his junior career. His partnership with the Flames’ coaching staff focuses on consistency in his defensive zone coverage while maximizing his offensive talents. The organization has shown patience with his development, allowing him to progress naturally rather than rushing his adaptation to the professional game.
The outlook for Coronato and the Flames remains positive as he enters the prime of his early career at age 22. With several years of his contract remaining, he has job security and organizational support to continue his growth. The Flames view him as a player who can anchor their forward corps for years to come, providing scoring, leadership, and physical presence. His trajectory suggests he can become an increasingly important contributor as his career advances.