Photo: NHL.com
With the Washington Capitals returning to practice for the first time after their bye week, left-wing Sonny Milano spoke to the media after signing a three-year contract extension with the team on Saturday.
“I think I fit pretty well in here. They gave me a chance when other teams didn’t so I was definitely grateful for that and I just think it’s clicking,” the 26-year-old explained.
When asked about his mindset coming into training camp after not being tendered a qualifying offer as a restricted free agent by the Anaheim Ducks and being released from a PTO agreement by the Calgary Flames, Milano said ”I didn’t really know what my future looked like in the summer. … Just try to take the opportunity of that and looks like it worked out.”
Milano feels like his productivity this season is ”just part of job. You have to be able to adapt to different systems. Everything’s similar. It’s not too hard and [head coach Peter Laviolette] has helped out a lot.”
On what has worked out in Washington for Milano, he responded that the team is an ”older, smart group. I think they’re easy to read. They know where I’m going to be, I know where they’re going to be and I’ve noticed some good chemistry.”
Milano discussed the culture Washington has built. “I love the guys here and I think they love me as well. … They made it super easy for me. I just fit in right away and I love it here.”
Despite having some job security, Milano’s mentality will not change. ”Same goal, so sticking with that,” he emphasized, adding that he his focused on the present.
Milano told the media that center Dylan Strome, who signed a five-year contract extension with Washington the day before he inked his deal, is ”one of my close friends. … So, pretty cool.”
By Harrison Brown