Milano headed to Cleveland amid Blue Jackets' numbers crunch

Matt Calvert's return meant somebody else's ice time would be affected.
It turned out to be rookie forward Sonny Milano, who was assigned to the Cleveland Monsters on Sunday. The move comes as somewhat of a surprise, considering Milano's recent play - which had been touted by coach John Tortorella for his improved play away from the puck.
Milano, who had 10 points (five goals, five assists) in 23 games, played the past eight games in a row after being scratched in both ends of a back-to-back Nov. 10-11 against the Carolina Hurricanes and Detroit Red Wings.
The Blue Jackets (17-9-1) were off Sunday, after falling 4-3 to the Washington Capitals on Saturday at Capital One Arena. The team didn't issue a statement about the move when it was announced, but Tortorella will likely shed some light on the decision Monday after practice.

Tortorella played Milano at left wing on the third line the past six games, including Saturday against the Capitals. he averaged around 15 minutes a game, and also logged time on the power play.
The third line, however, is the unit Calvert spent the most time with prior to his injury, and he's predominantly a left wing, like Milano. Assuming Calvert goes back to that role, that leaves only the left wing of the fourth-line open, which wouldn't provide a lot of developmental ice time for the highly-skilled Milano.
That role will likely be handled by Tyler Motte, whose energy and aggresiveness on the forecheck is more suited to a checking line. Markus Hannikainen also remains in Columbus, and will also compete for ice time.
The Blue Jackets next play the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday at Nationwide Arena (7 p.m., FS-Ohio, Fox Sports Go, 97.1 FM, BlueJackets.com). It will be the first of two games against the Devils this week, in a home-and-home that concludes Friday in New Jersey.
Columbus is first in the Metropolitan Division with 35 points, one point ahead of the second-place Devils.