Sonny Milano is aiming to make a comeback with the Washington Capitals for the 2025-26 season, after an injury-plagued 2024-25 season. The 29-year-old winger is under contract with the Capitals through the 2025-26 season, with a cap hit of $1.9 million.
Milano's 2024-25 season was largely derailed by an upper-body injury sustained in early November. He only managed to appear in three games, recording no points and a minus-3 rating. Despite initial progress in his recovery, Milano suffered a setback in March, which ultimately sidelined him for the remainder of the season. General Manager Chris Patrick noted the difficulties Milano faced and indicated the recovery process would likely extend into the summer. It is believed that the injury was a concussion.
However, Milano appears to be on track for a return. In late July 2025, he participated in the Shoulder Check Showcase, engaging in full-contact drills. By late August, he was skating with teammates at MedStar Capitals Iceplex. Capitals General Manager Chris Patrick has expressed optimism about Milano's readiness for training camp. "He's preparing to be a player for us at training camp," Patrick said, adding, "He's excited, he's ready to go". Milano himself is reportedly eager to put the last year behind him and is focusing his efforts on training camp.
Milano's return could provide a boost to the Capitals' secondary scoring and bottom-six stability. However, he will face competition for a roster spot. Anthony Beauvillier re-signed with the Capitals, and Justin Sourdif was brought in, with expectations to play full-time in the NHL. Prospects like Ivan Miroshnichenko, Andrew Cristall and Hendrix Lapierre are also vying for NHL roles.
Sonny Milano skated on the first day of Capitals Training Camp. The 29-year-old winger was paired with other forwards battling for roster spots on the Capitals, including Ethen Frank, Hendrix Lapierre, Ryan Leonard, Justin Souridf, Henrik Rybinski, and Bogdan Trineyev.
If Milano can regain his previous form, he could be a valuable asset to the Capitals' third line, potentially playing alongside Connor McMichael and Ryan Leonard. If he doesn't make the team, he could be placed on waivers and, if unclaimed, could be sent to the Hershey Bears of the AHL.
Milano has shown glimpses of his potential with the Capitals, as evidenced by his career-high 15 goals in the 2023-24 season. Over his 116 games with the Capitals in the last three years, he has recorded 26 goals and 30 assists for 56 points. Milano's contract expires at the end of the 2025-26 season, making this a crucial year for him to prove his value to the team.
