The Columbus Blue Jackets assigned Sonny Milano to their AHL affiliate Cleveland Monsters, the team reported. This comes one day after Columbus activated another left winger Matt Calvert off of IR.
#CBJ announce roster move:https://t.co/Jci8bfu8lE
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) December 3, 2017
Columbus Blue Jackets assign Sonny Milano
The 21-year-old rookie has played in 24 games this season for the Columbus Blue Jackets. With five goals this season Milano was tied for fifth on the team in that category. Milano had a strong start to the season getting four points in the first three games. Since the first three games, Milano has only scored four points in 25 games. The Blue Jackets currently sit atop the Eastern Conference with 35 points and a 17-9-1 record.
Surprising Choice
The Blue Jackets needed to make room on their roster for the returning Calvert, but Milano is a surprise choice for a demotion. Since being scratched for back to back games on November 10th and 11th, and assigned to Cleveland for one game on November 18th to get extra playing time (he was recalled on November 20th) Milano has played well. While he has struggled to produce, netting just two points, Milano has improved his overall game and played the last nine games in a row. Even Blue Jackets head coach John Tortorella praised Milano’s improved play away from the puck.
Still, Milano was playing mostly as the third line left winger, the spot usually occupied by Matt Calvert. With Calvert back, the only opening for a winger is on the fourth line. Milano is probably better off getting top minutes in Cleveland than fourth line time in the NHL.
The Future
How long Milano will stay in Cleveland could very well depend on injuries. If another injury occurs relatively soon, Milano might get the first opportunity to fill the roster spot. With how the 2014 16th overall pick played to begin the season, he might not be in Cleveland very long.
The Blue Jackets next game is Tuesday in Newark, against the New Jersey Devils.
