Sonny Milano THW Close-Up:
Date of birth: 5/12/1996
Place of birth: Massapequa, New York
Ht: 5’11” Wt: 185 lbs
Shoots: Left
Position: C/LW
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2014
Twitter: @27SMiLano
THW The Next Ones Rankings (January 2014): 20
Other Rankings:
THW Warm Room Rankings (April): 18
Craig Button: 18
CS Final Rankings for North American skaters: 16
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Along with Dylan Larkin, Sonny Milano is the another forward looking to be selected as the NTDP player in the draft. Milano’s greatest asset is his stickhandling. He’s an absolute wizard with the puck and feasts on defenses with his soft hands. Milano obliterated the score sheet this season scoring 86 points.
An impressive playmaker, Milano drags defenders away from the play creating passing lanes. A pass-first forward, he is a versatile player capable of playing center or left wing when called upon. His relatively short stature allows him to be nimble on his skates, and his fluidity when accelerating and stopping is top notch.
His lack of size doesn’t play a factor as many people would expect since his skills help balance his game. He carries the puck up ice with grace and poise. Puck control is second to none as would be expected.
Committed to Boston College, Milano will have a few years with one of the top programs in the country under his belt to round out his all-around game. Otherwise, the talent speaks for itself.
Where Will He End Up In June:
There seem to be a good amount of forwards with elite level stickhandling in this draft. Having said that, Milano is likely to go in the 15-20 range.
Scout’s Honor:
“Milano is a skilled winger with good hands who likes to carry the puck and have it on his stick. He has a quick first step as well as good straight line speed and able to use his edges well to elude and evade. He uses finesse puck skills and change of direction to beat defenders. (August 2013)”
Aaron Vickers – Future Considerations
“Milano is our top ranked player from the US Under 18 team at this juncture, but it’s a perch that he’ll have no shortage of competition for. Checking in at 5-foot-10, 170 pounds, Milano can play centre or the wing and given his lack of size, it will be interesting to see what position he does ultimately find a home at. Milano’s game has a lot of parallels to fellow American Nick Schmaltz, as the U18 forward is a shifty player who can attack with his explosive skating and high-end offensive talent. Milano will be expected to be a key producer on the Under 18 team this season and early indications would show that he is in line to be exactly that.“
“Almost six foot winger who is creative on the offense, despite not being a quick strike attacker. Has really excellent hands and makes plays with his stick and movement, while reading the ice for the best option. Loves to attack and provide scoring chances for teammates. Committed to Boston College.“
Bill Placzek – Draftsite.com
Statistics:
Bio/Interview(s)/Links:
Profile from Last Word On Sports
ETA:
2-3 years
Risk/Reward Analysis:
Risk: 1/5 Reward: 5/5
NHL Potential:
1st line playmaking center/winger that can be used on the powerplay
Strengths:
Vision
Opening up passing lanes
Poise with the puck
Hockey sense
Stickhandling and puck control
Speed and edgework
Flaws/Aspects He Needs To Work On:
Getting stronger
Rounding out the defensive side of his game a bit
Fantasy Hockey Potential:
Offensive: 8.5/10 Defensive: 3/10
NHL Player Comparison:
– NHL comparison: TJ Oshie
Video(s):
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THW’s The Next Ones prospect profile template design architect: Chris Ralph
Follow Shawn on Twitter: @ShawnTHW