Sonny Milano

Frank "Sonny" Milano (born May 12, 1996) is an American professional ice hockey left winger who is currently playing for the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the first round, 16th overall, of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.

Playing career

Milano played in the 2009 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with the New York Rangers minor ice hockey team.

Junior

Milano was rated as a top prospect who was widely projected to be a first round selection in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. He trained with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program team during the 2012–13 and 2013–14 seasons, and was invited to participate in the 2013 CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game.

Milano was committed to play for the Boston College Eagles men's ice hockey team in the Hockey East Association. However, on August 16, 2014, Eagles' head coach Jerry York announced Milano had advised the team of his intention to sign a professional contract with the Blue Jackets, thus forgoing his college eligibility. During the 2014–2015 season, Milano was playing for the Plymouth Whalers in the OHL. Even though he switched teams, he continued to live with Bo Freatman in Ann Arbor.

Professional

On September 11, 2014, the Blue Jackets announced that they had signed Milano to a three-year entry level contract.

During the 2015–16 season, on March 31, 2016, Milano played his first game in the NHL against his hometown team the New York Islanders. He registered his first career point with an assist in the following game against the Carolina Hurricanes on April 2, 2016. He was sent down to the Cleveland Monsters after 3 games.

Milano was recalled from the Cleveland Monsters in October. After registering no points he was sent back down to the Cleveland Monsters only to be called up again in November. He was shortly relocated back to the Monsters.

During the 2017–18 season, on October 6, 2017, Milano scored his first career NHL goal against the New York Islanders in a 5–0 Columbus win. Despite his early success, Milano was sent back down to the Cleveland Monsters on December 3, 2017, after registering 10 points in 24 games. He was recalled back to the Blue Jackets on December 9, 2017.

Milano began the 2019–20 season with the Blue Jackets, recording 6 points in 11 games. On February 24, 2020, he was traded to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for Devin Shore. He scored 5 points in 9 games with Anaheim to end the season. On July 28, 2020, the Ducks signed Milano to a two-year, $3.4 million contract extension.

At the conclusion of the season and his contract with the Ducks, despite establishing new offensive career highs, Milano was not tendered a qualifying offer and was released as a free agent. After going un-signed over the summer, Milano opted to join the Calgary Flames on a professional tryout contract to attend training camp. He participated in the pre-season with the Flames before he was released from his tryout without a contract on September 27, 2022.

Beginning the season without a club, Milano was belatedly signed to a one-year, $750,000 contract with the Washington Capitals on October 17, 2022. He was immediately placed on waivers and upon clearing was assigned by the Capitals to AHL affiliate, the Hershey Bears. He moved back up to the NHL 14 games into the season on November 5, 2022, playing left wing for the Capitals on a regular basis.

International play

As a 16-year-old Milano won a bronze medal with Team USA at the 2013 World U-17 Hockey Challenge, and as a 17-year-old he helped the USA squad capture the gold medal at the 2014 IIHF World U18 Championships. Milano recorded 2 goals and 2 assists at the 2015 World Junior Championships. Milano was part of the bronze medal-winning USA U20 squad at the 2016 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.

Milano was named to Team USA to compete at the 2018 IIHF World Championship, along with teammate Cam Atkinson.

Personal life

Milano was raised by his parents Frank and Caroline Milano in Massapequa, New York.

On July 7, 2019, Milano and then-Colorado Avalanche forward A. J. Greer, were arrested in New York City for alleged third degree assault. The alleged assault was reportedly over the victim demanding money after getting Greer and Milano table service at a nightclub. Charges were subsequently dropped in January 2020 after Greer and Milano paid an undisclosed amount for the victim's medical bills and completed community service.

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

International

Awards and honors

References

External links

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Milano, Sonny
1996 births
Living people
American men's ice hockey forwards
Anaheim Ducks players
Cleveland Monsters players
Columbus Blue Jackets draft picks
Columbus Blue Jackets players
Hershey Bears players
Lake Erie Monsters players
Ice hockey players from New York (state)
People from Massapequa, New York
National Hockey League first-round draft picks
Plymouth Whalers players
San Diego Gulls (AHL) players
Springfield Falcons players
USA Hockey National Team Development Program players
Washington Capitals players