Summary
Sonny Milano, a forward for the Washington Capitals, is reportedly planning to leave North America to play in Switzerland next season. After a difficult year spent mostly in the minor leagues, the 29-year-old winger is expected to sign a contract with SC Bern. This move comes as Milano prepares to become a free agent this summer. By moving to the Swiss league, he looks to regain a major role on the ice that he has struggled to keep in the NHL recently.
Main Impact
The decision to move to Switzerland marks a major turning point in Sonny Milano’s career. For the Washington Capitals, it means losing a depth player who showed flashes of high scoring ability even with limited playing time. For Milano, it is a chance to stop fighting for a spot on an NHL roster and instead become a star player in Europe. This shift highlights the growing trend of skilled NHL players choosing the Swiss National League for better job security and more significant roles on their teams.
Key Details
What Happened
Milano started the current season with the Washington Capitals after recovering from a long-term injury. While he made the team out of training camp, his time on the ice was very limited. He often sat out as a healthy scratch, meaning he was fit to play but the coaches chose not to use him. After the Olympic break, the Capitals placed him on waivers. When no other NHL team claimed him, he was sent down to the Hershey Bears, the team’s minor league affiliate in the AHL. This was his first extended time in the minors in several years.
Important Numbers and Facts
During his time with Washington this season, Milano appeared in 31 games. He managed to score four goals and provide four assists. However, he only played an average of 8 minutes and 53 seconds per game, which is very low for a player with his skill set. In contrast, since joining the Hershey Bears, he has been much more productive, recording 13 points in just 16 games. Milano is currently helping Hershey in the playoffs, with a series against Bridgeport starting this week. Over his career with the Capitals, his best recent season was 2023-24, where he scored 15 goals despite playing in a limited role.
Background and Context
Sonny Milano has always been known as a highly skilled player with great hands, but he has struggled to find a permanent home in the NHL. In 2022, he faced a very difficult time as a free agent and had to wait a long time before the Capitals gave him a chance. While he performed well at times in Washington, injuries have been a major hurdle. Last season, an upper-body injury kept him off the ice for a long time, and a setback during his recovery made it hard for him to get back to full strength. In the NHL, teams often look for bottom-six players who are physical and defensive, while Milano’s game is focused more on offense and creativity. This mismatch in styles often led to him being left out of the lineup.
Public or Industry Reaction
Hockey analysts suggest that Milano is making a smart move for his future. If he stayed in North America, he would likely only receive offers for a Professional Tryout (PTO), which comes with no guarantee of a contract or a salary. By signing with SC Bern, he secures a stable job and a higher salary than he might get in the minors. Fans in Switzerland are reportedly excited about the news, as Milano is the type of "star" player that can draw crowds and improve the league's quality of play. Capitals fans have generally liked Milano for his scoring touch, but many agree that the team's current system does not have a clear spot for him.
What This Means Going Forward
Once the AHL playoffs are over, Milano will likely finalize his deal and prepare for the move to Europe. For the Hershey Bears, losing a player of his talent will be a blow for next season, but it opens up a spot for a younger prospect to develop. For Milano, the Swiss league offers a style of hockey that suits his skills. The rinks are larger, and there is more emphasis on skating and playmaking rather than physical hitting. If he performs well in Bern, he could spend the rest of his prime years as one of the top players in Europe. It is unlikely he will return to the NHL soon, as most players who make this move stay for several seasons to enjoy the lifestyle and consistent playing time.
Final Take
Sonny Milano is choosing a path that prioritizes his love for the game and his need to play meaningful minutes. While his NHL journey had many ups and downs, moving to SC Bern allows him to write a new chapter where he is a leader on the ice. It is a practical and bold move for a player who still has plenty of talent to offer the hockey world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Sonny Milano leaving the NHL?
He is leaving because his playing time has decreased significantly, and he would likely struggle to find a guaranteed NHL contract this summer. Moving to Switzerland gives him a guaranteed starting role and a fresh start.
Which team is he expected to join?
Reports indicate that he is expected to sign with SC Bern, which is one of the most popular and successful clubs in the Swiss National League.
Is he still playing for the Washington Capitals right now?
No, he is currently playing for their minor league team, the Hershey Bears, in the AHL playoffs. He will finish the current season with them before moving to Switzerland.
