Blue Jackets prospect Milano explains decision to pull out of Boston College commitment

Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Sonny Milano - drafted 16th overall at the 2014 NHL Draft in June - explained his decision to forgo a commitment to Boston College and take his talents to the OHL's Plymouth Whalers in a statement issued through agent Rich Evans.

Here's Milano's statement, as per Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Post-Dispatch:

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.

With Plymouth - a well-respected OHL club that has featured the likes of Tyler Seguin, Justin Williams, James Neal and Tom Wilson in recent years - Milano will have the opportunity to play almost twice as many games as he would have in the NCAA. 

Perhaps more importantly, the 18-year-old is now free to sign an entry-level deal with the Blue Jackets (with a nice signing bonus to boot), as well as attend the club's prospects camp in Traverse City, Mich., and his first NHL training camp in September.

Milano spent the past two seasons playing for the U.S. National Development Team.