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Former Boston College recruit Sonny Milano has signed a three-year entry level deal with the Blue Jackets. Milano was set to play for the Boston College Eagles this fall, but backed out of his commitment.

NHL.com -- Left wing Sonny Milano signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets, the team announced Thursday.

Milano, a first-round pick (No. 16) of the Blue Jackets in the 2014 NHL Draft, will play for the Plymouth Whalers of the Ontario Hockey League in 2014-15. He also will be one of 25 players representing the Blue Jackets at the eight-team Traverse City Prospect Tournament, scheduled Friday through Tuesday, in Traverse City, Mich.

"Sonny Milano is a skilled, dynamic player and we're very happy to add him to the exciting group of prospects within our organization," Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said. "We are looking forward to watching his development and helping him grow both on and off the ice in the years to come."

Sonny Milano speaks to the fans

Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch has Sonny Milano's statement that he made through his agent. 

August 16, 2014

“Since being drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets at the NHL Draft in Philadelphia on June 27, I have been asked many times about whether I would continue with my plans to attend Boston College, or play junior hockey instead. In an effort to avoid controversy and further questions on the subject, I responded that I was looking forward to attending BC in the Fall. While I have had every intention of playing for Coach (Jerry) York and joining the best college hockey program in the country, since the end of my hockey season at the USNDTP I have been questioning whether going to school was the best situation for me.

"Perhaps I should have acknowledged my growing indecision when asked about my plans, but it was difficult to explain to those who were asking when I did not even know myself what I wanted to do. After a great deal of thought and discussion with my family, I have spoken with Coach York and informed him that I will be playing for the Ontario Hockey League’s Plymouth Whalers this season. "I think that BC is the best choice for those players who wish to go to school and play hockey. Every player’s path to achieving his goal of playing in the NHL is different, and the best route for some is not necessarily the best route for others. For me, the opportunity to play in the OHL is the right decision.

"If I have disappointed anyone, particularly the great people I have met at BC, it was certainly not my intention to do so, and for that I am sorry. I hope that BC and those involved with its hockey program understand my decision.”

Puck-rakers: Sonny Milano issues statement regarding decision to opt out of Boston College, pick OHL Plymouth #CBJ http://t.co/I8aSNtLWJ2
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) August 18, 2014

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Updated: Sonny Milano to sign with Columbus Blue Jackets

Sonny Milano has informed @BCHockeyNews that he will sign a professional contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets organization.
— BC Hockey (@BCHockeyNews) August 16, 2014

This seems to be a re-occurring theme for some of the USNDT players. Like I told someone the other day, until they come on Campus they're a threat to not make it to campus, especially if they were drafted high. It's a big loss for Boston College Eagles, but they're still a very loaded hockey team. My money says that Milano will end up with the Plymouth Whalers of the OHL.

Jerry York: “Sonny has informed me he will sign a contract with Columbus. They will dictate his path as he embarks upon his pro career.”
— BC Hockey (@BCHockeyNews) August 16, 2014

CBJ 1st round pick Sonny Milano will not attend Boston College, has chosen to play with @PWhalers of the OHL this season.
— Jeff Marek (@JeffMarek) August 17, 2014

According to @Aportzline, Milano will sign his ELC in the next few days.
— Jeff Marek (@JeffMarek) August 17, 2014

Sonny Milano Watch is on

This would be a big loss for the Boston College Eagles "if" this happens. The #MilanoWatch is officially on. But those that think the Eagles cupboard is bare is highly mistaken. The Eagles will still probably be one of the top teams in Hockey East this year.

Milano has told those around him that he'd make a decision -- BC or OHL -- after the US national junior camp is finished.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) August 4, 2014

LRT: Looks like the only thing that's official is that #MilanoWatch is on. Just another summer in CHL-NCAA recruiting war.
— Chris Peters (@chrismpeters) August 4, 2014

Also, look for CBJ 1st rounder Sonny Milano to announce he'll forego playing at Boston College in favour of the Plymouth Whalers of the OHL.
— Jeff Marek (@JeffMarek) August 3, 2014

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