What Happened
The Washington Capitals have placed forward Sonny Milano on waivers as of Wednesday, February 25, 2026. This decision comes as the team activates Connor McMichael from injured reserve, necessitating a roster adjustment. Milano, 29, has recorded four goals and eight points in 31 games this season, following a challenging previous season where he played only three games due to injuries.
Why It Matters
Milano’s placement on waivers marks a significant shift in his career trajectory. Originally selected 16th overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2014 NHL Draft, he has played for the Capitals, Anaheim Ducks, and Columbus, accumulating 66 goals and 145 points over 344 games. His current contract, which has a cap hit of $1.9 million, is set to expire this summer, making him an unrestricted free agent. The Capitals’ decision reflects their need to optimize their roster while dealing with injuries and performance issues among their forwards.
What’s Next
Milano will be assigned to the AHL’s Hershey Bears unless claimed by another team during the waiver period. This will be his first AHL action since a brief stint with Hershey after joining the Capitals in 2022. His performance in the AHL could be crucial for his career as he seeks to regain form and potentially attract interest from NHL teams ahead of free agency.
