In light of Blue Jackets prospect Sonny Milano's decision to play for the Ontario Hockey League's Plymouth Whalers instead of honoring a commitment with Boston College, general manager Jarmo Kekalainen issued a statement Monday affirming the NHL club did not influence the 18-year-old's decision.

#CBJ GM Jarmo Kekalainen: "We have a lot of respect for Boston College, their program and their ability to develop players. We also have ... — Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) August 18, 2014

"the same kind of respect for Plymouth and their ability to develop players ... which is why we didn't get involved (in Sonny Milano's) ... — Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) August 18, 2014

"... decision. We left it up to the player and his family from the get-go." — Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) August 18, 2014

As such, it's apparent that Milano's decision was based more on the ability to develop his game in the Canadian Hockey League as opposed to the NCAA, and not necessarily driven by a desire to put pen to paper on his first pro contract.