Matt Coronato’s latest stint in the minors lasted less than a week.
The Calgary Flames, searching for a spark as they try to snap out of a four-game losing skid, announced Thursday afternoon that Coronato has been recalled from their AHL affiliate.
The 21-year-old right-winger scored twice for the Wranglers in Tuesday’s home-ice victory against the San Diego Gulls.
In a corresponding roster move, the Flames have assigned rookie forward Sam Honzek to the farm club.
Coronato started the season on the big-league roster, registering two goals and a plus-3 rating in five outings. There was some grousing from fans when he was demoted last Friday, with many arguing that he’d been outperforming a few of his veteran teammates.
Honzek was the surprise story of training camp at the Saddledome, becoming the first teenager in several years to earn an opening-night gig with the Flames, but he should benefit from playing big minutes with the Wranglers. This is, remember, his first professional campaign and he doesn’t turn 20 until Nov. 12.
Honzek suited up for five games with the Flames this fall and missed that same number because of an upper-body injury. He returned for Wednesday’s 5-1 loss in Utah, skating on a line with Mikael Backlund and Blake Coleman. It is possible that Coronato could slide into that spot for Friday’s date with the New Jersey Devils.
Coronato has, to date, totalled five goals and six assists in his 40 career appearances at the NHL level. He is a gifted shooter and if he shows he can light the lamp on this current call-up, he won’t be returning to the Wranglers anytime soon.
The Flames, after being outscored 10-1 in back-to-back blowout losses on the road, could certainly use the offensive boost.