Sonny Milano Finished At Prospect Tournament

Sonny Milano turned down his NCAA commitment to play in the OHL and be closer to the Columbus Blue Jackets in case they wanted him sooner rather than later. With that in mind he laced up for the Blue Jackets at the prospect tournament hoping to convince the team he was ready, but after injury is out of the tournament awfuly close to training camp.

Sonny Milano was checked face first into the boards during the Blue Jackets game on Friday night where he suffered multiple facial fractures that may put the start of his 2014-2015 NHL season in jeopardy. He suffered a fractured orbital bone and a fractured cheek.

“There is no surgery required for him. When you think of a time frame, it’s really hard to tell.” ~ John Davidson

The early word was the Milano could miss up to 8 weeks but Blue Jackets GM, Jarmo Kekalainen, later said the prospect may only be out 2 weeks as the fractures are non-displaced.

Milano will be joining the Plymouth Whalers of the OHL for this upcoming season after being ranked 42nd by the NHL in terms of prospects for this upcoming season.

The one thing no one can debate is the sick hands Sonny Milano has. He can do magical things on the ice and with the puck that many others can’t. After finishing 2nd on the US National Team Development Program with 86 points last season, he’s looking to take his skills to the NHL level sooner rather than later.

If Milano is out for 8 weeks he will undoubtedly start the season with Plymouth and may not get his NHL crack this season like previously hoped. If he’s out just 2 weeks there is a possibility for him to compete during the pre-season and maybe he’ll get 9 games with the Blue Jackets.

The Blue Jackets signed Milano to his three-year entry level deal on Thursday after taking him 16th overall in June. It’s rumoured that both Milano and the Jackets were anxious to see him at the NHL level. However, at least for now, the Blue Jackets will have to wait to see Sonny Milano in the NHL.