Sonny Milano on PTO in Calgary

[Hot_Flatus]

Originally Posted by Electricprez

If he plays to potential, maybe this gives them some room to move somebody else out. I have no idea who, but at least having a guy like this who could play 2/3 line gives you some options.

I am not at all in love with the idea of Dube sitting in the top six, though I'm open to being surprised on him this year.

I know these games are a complete nothingburger, but I'd hoped to see more out of Pelletier in the prospects games; I'd still love for him to crack the lineup and he feels like a much better fit third line than someone like Milano.

I wouldn't read much into the prospects games. Most of the legitimate pro prospects are simply trying to get through this without getting banged up so that they can have a really strong NHL camp. It's great for fans and a good way for younger players to get a jump start on the pre-season, but other than that the performances are all moot.

[gvitaly]

Originally Posted by bax

I like Pelletier a lot too, but he’ll have to wow at camp to earn a spot. Not like Sutter to just gift a young player a spot.

I wonder if Milano is able to play his off wing?

I’m pretty sure i’ve seen Milano play both sides. I actually really like the signing. This will give the Flames 3 great passers in Huberdeau, Kadri, and Milano. That’s exactly the sort of creativity we’ve been lacking in the offensive zone.

I also really like the fact it’s a PTO. It really gives Sutter and the team a way to see if he will fit the room and/or be able to learn how to play D.

As for Pelletier, I had my reservations about giving him a spot. I also don’t think he will be terrible in a 4th line role like Mangiapane was in his first season. The competition is great, and that signing is a good insurance.

[Atodaso]

I know they play the same side but Milano and Mangiapane feels....🤌🤌.

[Royle9]

Never hurts to have competition, this PTO signing is definitely a poke @ Pelletier to up his game for main camp. I feel this is specific to that 3rd line LW spot that's ripe for the taking.

Honestly, given Zary's showing so far, I wouldn't be oppose to letting him have a crack at it unless the Flames brass would rather develop him strictly @ C then I'd say its better to keep him as the 1C for the Wranglers.

Hope this lights a fire under Jacob, I had high hopes for him but he's been pretty lack luster in the "pre-pre" young stars tournament (most of the team has)

[Rick M.]

Originally Posted by bax

I like Pelletier a lot too, but he’ll have to wow at camp to earn a spot. Not like Sutter to just gift a young player a spot.

I wonder if Milano is able to play his off wing?

I like Milano’s wheels. Maybe he can be our Anthony Duclair.

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by FanIn80

Interesting that this happens right after the prospect games. I know everyone says "they don't mean anything" but one goal scored in two games... followed immediately by a PTO for potentially that #3W spot.

It is a complete coincidence. The Flames are not using a four-day summer warm up for prospects as a sounding board for their NHL lineup this year.

[Electricprez]

Originally Posted by Hot_Flatus

I wouldn't read much into the prospects games. Most of the legitimate pro prospects are simply trying to get through this without getting banged up so that they can have a really strong NHL camp. It's great for fans and a good way for younger players to get a jump start on the pre-season, but other than that the performances are all moot.

With you there, that's why it's a nothingburger.
I guess a part of me just hoped to see Pelletier rise on the wings of eagles out there, gliding across the ice like a majestic stallion

[Flaming Horse]

A lot of fans and media have Pelletier pencilled in the lineup but I am sure the flames brass are looking at it a lot differently.

[Paulie Walnuts]

Competition doesn't hurt. I want Pelletier to make the team as well, but Darryl has said guys have been gifted roles on the team when they have not been ready.

We needed more speed and offence in our lineup outside the top line and hopefully this provides a boost if Milano can make the team.

I think people have a misconception of what is and isn't a Darryl Sutter player.

[dustygoon]

He played on some amazing USDP program teams. One year in Plymouth. Then had to endure Torts and a crappy ducks team. Not saying it's not his fault, but you can see a chance that a fresh start helps. But why would the Ducks just cut him. If you can't make that team as a 26 year old coached by your minors coach, then maybe there is a prob.

[activeStick]

Originally Posted by Atodaso

I know they play the same side but Milano and Mangiapane feels....����.

If this works out, we just need an Italian center! Totally all for this!!

Edit: Mangiapane - Cirelli - Milano!

[Tibnadian_tpd]

Absolutely love this, especially on a show me basis with the PTO, there’s just much more to gain than lose. He’s always been a very talented kid, and now at 26 years old, perhaps he’s ready to put it all together. Sutter turned Kristian Huselius’s career around back in the 2005-2006 season when Huselius was 27 years old, and Huselius even had 6 points in 7 playoff games that year under Sutter. Anyone remember Milano doing all those tricks with his stick in the parking lot and dressing room when he was with the Plymouth Whalers of the OHL, not sure if that video is still around but it was pretty cool. Not to mention, Milano’s had several highlight reel goals in the NHL, namely the between the legs breakaway goal in Columbus and the batted in goal with Zegras in Anaheim. That between the legs goal in Columbus was not your ordinary Mario Malik type between the legs goal though. If you watch the replay on that goal against Dallas, Milano first adeptly flips the puck past the dman to an area only he could corral the puck (which was also to a shooting area no less), and then he doesn’t just drag the puck in between his legs, he uses unbelievable skill to toe drag the puck with only the toe of his stick while two defensive players are swinging their sticks. That just shows his unbelievable talent. Now the questions remain does he have the corresponding athleticism, ability to become efficient, general hockey IQ, etc, but it’s just such a low risk high reward PTO, I’m all for this, and hope he can find his way. Imagine picking up another 20 goal, 50 point player for free? If he doesn’t become that it’s either a cheap short term contract or spot in training camp.

[Gaskal]

Judging by the JFresh card, we should be putting him on a line with a natural goal scorer and a guy who's good at controlled zone entries

[Geeoff]

from one half of the goal of the year to PTO. Wild Ride for Mr. Milano

[ComixZone]

Originally Posted by Icon

Meh, seems like a one dimensional guy.

Maybe Sutter can find more in him, but I doubt he earns a spot. Worst case scenario it's at least more competition for camp, which is good.

Hopefully Treliving's still on the hunt for a way to bring in another top6 winger... Maybe it's Milano in the end but that'd surprise me.

I am unsure where you’re pulling “one dimensional” from, is it just the zone starts?

https://twitter.com/user/status/1571869195503128577

https://twitter.com/user/status/1571868517334491137

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by FanIn80

Interesting that this happens right after the prospect games. I know everyone says "they don't mean anything" but one goal scored in two games... followed immediately by a PTO for potentially that #3W spot.

No. They didn't go shopping on Monday morning because of a prospects game on the weekend. They would have been analyzing and considering Milano all summer, and then made the move now, based on the fact that other options they have been working on fell through. Plus the fact that, as a PTO, he is now a free option, so why not?

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

No. They didn't go shopping on Monday morning because of a prospects game on the weekend. They would have been analyzing and considering Milano all summer, and then made the move now, based on the fact that other options they have been working on fell through...

I think it is entirely possible that the PTO was extended before the weekend.

[Flames1217]

Now can you imagine if we traded a first, Dube, and Valimaki for Konecny

Huberdeau-Lindholm-Konecny
Mangiapane-Kadri-Toffoli
Milano-Backlund-Coleman
Lucic-Rooney-Lewis

Hanifin-Anderson
Zadarov-Weeger
Kylington-Tanev
Stone

Markstrom
Vladar

[Angelino]

Great move low risk high reward. Excellent!

[GioforPM]

Has Milano ever played off wing? Never really watched him.