Columbus Blue Jackets Sign Plymouth Whalers' Sonny Milano

Photo of Sonny Milano by Rena Laverty

The Columbus Blue Jackets announced the signing of Plymouth Whalers left wing Sonny Milano to an entry level contract.

Milano was selected by Columbus in the first round (16th overall) of the 2014 NHL Draft.

Here’s the release from the Blue Jackets:

COLUMBUS, OHIO — The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed forward Sonny Milano, the club’s first pick in the 2014 NHL Draft, to a three-year entry level contract, Blue Jackets General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen announced today. As is club policy, terms were not disclosed.

“Sonny Milano is a skilled, dynamic player and we’re very happy to add him to the exciting group of prospects within our organization,” said Kekalainen. “We are looking forward to watching his development and helping him grow both on and off the ice in the years to come.”

See the rest of the release.

VIDEO - Milano is selected by the Jackets at the 2014 NHL Draft.

AUDIO - Milano in action with the Whalers.

Milano played in the preseason with Mathew Campagna for the Whalers and the two clicked.

He was recently featured in an article with George Sipple for the Detroit Free Press:

■ On playing for the Whalers and choosing the OHL over college: “Obviously a lot of weight on my shoulders at first to decide between the two options. Obviously, since I’ve picked the OHL, there’s been a lot of weight off my shoulders. Kind of looking forward to getting the season started now. … I think both ways are good, but I think the OHL is probably a little better for me.”

■ On what he expects out of his rookie season: “I want to win a championship. Just try to get stronger this year, spend a lot of time in the weight room. I’m an offensive guy. I want to put up points. I want to be an offensive player.”

See the rest of the story.

Milano is with the Columbus Blue Jackets team playing in the 2014 NHL Prospects Tournament in Traverse City.