The Blue Jackets are giving fans a glimpse into the future calling up Sonny Milano.
#CBJ announce the recall of F Sonny Milano and D Dean Kukan from @monstershockey
— Alison (@AlisonL) March 30, 2016
Sonny was the team’s first round pick, 16th overall in 2014. This season with the Lake Erie Monsters, Milano has 12 goals and 15 assists in 48 games. His 27 points are good for 6th on the team. The call-up comes at a perfect time for Sonny who had four goals in his last three games.
To some that may seem like a disappointing season, but keep in mind many players Milano’s age are still playing in the NCAA or CHL. Guys like William Nylander and Mikko Rantanen who are the same age as Sonny and tearing up the AHL, are the exceptions not the rule.
Relative to the Monsters, Sonny has actually been quite good. Take a look at these charts Jeremy Crowe put together:
Milano leads Lake Erie in Even Strength GoalsFor%, is top 50 in AHL (min. 40GP). 4th in Even Strength Pts/Gm. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/G6kfhVLEaB
— Jeremy Crowe (@307x) March 30, 2016
Relative to other U-20 AHL players, Milano stacks up quite well.
Under-20 AHL skaters in Even Strength GoalsFor%Relative + Pts/Game (min 35gp). Milano 3rd/5th. Good company. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/qkZIJvxuTW
— Jeremy Crowe (@307x) March 30, 2016
Sonny is a highly skilled player. He has a tremendous set of hands and likes to have the puck on his stick. He's a gifted playmaker, putting up close to an assist per game with the US National Team Development Program and with the Plymouth Whalers of the OHL. That continued at the World Juniors this season where Sonny had seven assists in seven games.
He will be in the lineup Thursday when the Jackets play the Islanders in New York. This is a nice gesture by the Jackets as Sonny is from Massapequa, New York, which is roughly an hour outside of Brooklyn. No better way to make your NHL debut then at home with friends and family in attendance.
Much like with Oliver Bjorkstrand, Sonny is expected to get a prominent role with the offense and play in the top six. Today at practice he was alongside Brandon Saad and Alexander Wennberg.
Milano is practicing on a line with Brandon Saad and Alexander Wennberg. #CBJ
— Rob Mixer (@RobMixer) March 30, 2016
Saad is going to get plenty of chances with those playmakers setting him up.
In a lost season for the Jackets they are keeping things exciting by brings up the kids and giving fans something to be excited for. The future is now.
You can follow me on Twitter @PaulBerthelot