COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed forward Sonny Milano, the club's first pick in the 2014 NHL draft, to a three-year, entry-level contract.

The 18-year-old left wing was the 16th overall pick in June's draft. A member of the Ontario Hockey League's Plymouth Whalers, he is among 25 players representing the Blue Jackets at the annual NHL prospects tournament from this weekend in Traverse City, Michigan.

The native of Massapequa, New York, spent the past two seasons playing for the U.S. National Development Program, where he had 24 goals and 37 assists in 63 games.

The Blue Jackets reportedly will be discussing a new contract with restricted free agent centre Ryan Johansen, the team's leading scorer last season.