Columbus Blue Jackets: Sonny Milano 2018-2019 Season Expectations

Is this they year the Columbus Blue Jackets see a breakout by Sonny Milano?

Sonny Milano is ready to break out and join the likes of Oliver Bjorkstrand and Pierre-Luc Dubois as 40 point scorers in the NHL. The Columbus Blue Jackets top pick in the 2014 NHL draft just needs more ice time. The question is will he get that ice time this year?

Last year Milano had an impressive season last year despite very limited ice time. Appearing in only 55 games, Milano only averaged 11 minutes a night. Even with that limited time he still managed to score 14 goals. That was good for 8th best on team. His goal scoring rate per 60 minutes was only outpaced by Connor McDavid last season. Yes, that Connor McDavid that had 108 points last year.

More eye catching is that all of his goals came at even strength. He finished tied for fourth on the team in even strength goals. Imagine if Milano played consistently on the first power play unit.

The magician from Massapequa can clearly bring it in the offensive zone but his opportunities will only increase if he becomes less of a liability in the defensive end. No one is asking him to be Patrice Bergeron, he just has to be respectable in his own zone.

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If he has improved that portion of his game, the sky is the limit for Milano. He could be a 25 goals per season machine for the next five to seven years. It all comes down to whether Torts feels like he can trust him defensivly.

If Sonny has increased his defensive prowess, the Columbus Blue Jackets are going to have another top six forward on their hands. Just due to the talent on this team though the third line is Milano’s ceiling this season. Even on the third line though he should be able to hit 15 goals and 15 assist.

Of course this is all thrown out the window if Artemi Panarin is traded. Then, Milano would be a prime candidate to slide up into the second line or maybe even the top line. If that happens, 20 goals is very much in play.

But if the coaching staff doesn’t feel he can defend at an NHL level, he will compete with Anthony Duclair for a fourth line wing role and, at best, replicate his 17-18 season totals.

We should expect Sonny to have a great training camp and play in at least 70 games for the Columbus Blue Jackets this season. Sonny playing consistently on both ends of the ice and still racking up 15 to 20 goals is a realistic expectation to have for the skilled skater.

With all of the uncertainty in the organization, and with his high skill level, Milano is one of the most intriguing players for the Columbus Blue Jackets this season and we can’t wait to see what he does on the ice.