2 Long-Awaited NHL Debuts for Flames Coming Wednesday

Despite being eliminated from the playoffs on Monday, the final game of the NHL season will at least have some meaning for the Calgary Flames. It'll mark a new beginning for two elite young prospects. 

Happy to report, Matt Coronato will make his NHL debut Wednesday against the Sharks.
Something for Flames fans to look forward to.

— Eric Francis (@EricFrancis) April 11, 2023

Matt Coronato, who was selected with the 13th pick in the 2021 Draft, signed his three-year entry-level contract late last month as soon as his Harvard Crimson were eliminated from the NCAA tournament. He's been practicing with the Flames ever since, but had yet to make it into a game. 

“I enjoy having those kids here, right off the top,” said Flames head coach Darryl Sutter recently. “Those kids give you a different type of energy." 

After spending two weeks with the team practicing on the ice, and being in the locker room, on airplanes, and in hotels, the 20-year-old Coronato will finally be getting himself a taste of NHL life where it matters: On the ice. 

In addition to Coronato, as @EricFrancis reports here, I believe Dustin Wolf is on the radar, too. A masterful season in AHL for the 2019 7th-rounder. https://t.co/eaRFmJNhIE

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) April 11, 2023

As noted by NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman, goaltender Dustin Wolf "is on the radar" to make his NHL debut as well in Game 82.  The former 7th-round pick once again simply dominated the AHL this season, finishing with a 41-9-2 mark with seven shutouts, a 2.08 GAA and a .932 SV%. Clearly, he has nothing left to prove at that level, so giving him a taste of the NHL is long overdue. 

Photo: Andy Abeyta/The Desert Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK