Sonny Milano is arguably the most dynamic offensive talent of any American in the 2014 NHL Draft pool. He's slick with the puck, shifty and has terrific imagination in the scoring areas.
It was a busy year for the Massapequa, New York native who saw his draft stock stay fairly steady around the middle of the first round. The former Cleveland Barons Midget U16 player put up gaudy offensive numbers against all competition as he wore the red, white and blue for the US National Team Development Program (USNTDP).
It was also an interesting year in terms of his college recruitment process. Milano de-committed from Notre Dame in favor of Hockey East rival Boston College. According to a source with knowledge, he preferred the more offensive style of the Eagles.
Only USNTDP teammate Alex Tuch and future fellow-Eagle is ranked higher among American forwards in Central Scouting's Final Rankings. Milano put up well over a point per game for the NTDP this season, including during the World Junior 18U Championship.
Milano will fit in nicely in Jerry York's system where many New Yorkers have faired quite well, including the likes of Marty Reasoner and Brian Gionta. The Eagles have some talent in place, but will be looking to replace the entire first line (Johnny Gaudreau, Bill Arnold and Kevin Hayes). That will mean plenty of opportunity on the top two lines and on the power play for Milano, even as a freshman.
Quick Facts:
Sonny Milano
Central Scouting Final Ranking: 16
Hometown: Massapequa, NY
2013-14 Team: US National Team Development Program U-18
2014-15 Team: Boston College (NCAA)
Height/Weight: 6-0/183
Strengths: Dynamic offensive player with great imagination, quick feet and a strong initial burst/stride, good hands and can undress defensive opposition with shifty moves
Weaknesses: Very few areas of concern in Milano's game, but he will likely look to put on more body weight and work on his physical strength as his career progresses at BC.
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Jeff Cox covers college, junior and high school hockey, NCAA recruiting and NHL Draft prospects. Follow him on twitter @JeffCoxSports.