Milano tries to learn while playing less
Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella has a predicament, and it has to do with rookie left wing Sonny Milano.
Milano, a first-round draft pick in 2014, is struggling to get into the lineup as the Blue Jackets struggle to score goals. Milano has not played in the past two games and the Jackets have mustered only two regulation goals.
Tortorella said Milano, who has five goals in 15 games, needs to become a more complete player to play more or even be in uniform for games.
“Sonny needs to understand that the five-on-five play is very important to him to learn how to play in the National Hockey League,” Tortorella said. “He needs to learn how to put on the brakes in the defensive zone. He needs to understand positioning.
“I’m not crazy about the time he’s missing, or even (defenseman Gabriel) Carlsson. It really bothers me for those two guys that they’re not getting ice time. But I still have to make the decision for what I think is best for that particular game.”
If Tortorella feels Milano isn’t a viable option compared with other forwards on his roster, he could be sent to minor-league Cleveland and receive more ice time to polish his game. But Tortorella said it’s important for Milano to be with the Blue Jackets for now.
“I want him in our meetings,” Tortorella said. “I think it’s important that he’s in our meetings. I think it’s important that he’s practicing with us. We’ll see.”
Milano shared Tortorella’s sentiment.
“I’d definitely rather be here with Torts,” Milano said. “That’s how I’m going to learn is being under his (wing) and learning and doing things that he wants me to do.”
Milano said playing less doesn’t necessarily mean he’s learning less. Ice time in practice, watching games when he’s scratched and dissecting film have allowed Milano to slowly work toward rounding out his game. The tricky part is retaining his aggressive approach to offense while also being aware of his defensive responsibilities.
“You’ve got to find the in-between there,” Milano said. “You don’t want to be nervous out there and just worry about defense. That’s not what I’m here for. I’m here to create offense. You still want to play your game, but you to have worry about these things.”
Tortorella is confident he’ll strike that balance.
“We continue to work with him,” Tortorella said. “But it’s really about understanding positioning five-on-five. He wants to learn, and he’ll get it. It’s taking some time, but he’ll get it.”