The Scouting Report:
Jake O’Brien is another exciting prospect eligible for the 2025 NHL Draft, slated to be selected in the first 15 picks of the draft. O’Brien scored 32 goals and 98 points with the Brantford Bulldogs in just 66 games. He followed up with a strong playoffs, scoring 11 points in 11 games.
O’Brien projects as a strong two-way center with a high hockey IQ, and on top of that, he shoots right, which is rare and gives the team he ends up with more options for faceoff matchups. O’Brien is 6’2″ and 170 pounds.
Draft Projections
Ranked #11 by Conrad Jack of Inside the Rink
Ranked #11 by TSN/Craig Button
Ranked #8 by Daily Faceoff
Ranked #11 by Dobber Prospects
Diving Deeper:
Hockey IQ
Jake O’Brien posesses a strong hockey IQ and is able to read plays effectively. This works out for him on both sides of the ice as he can break up plays and create offense effectively. O’Brien processes the game at a high level, which enables him to be a step ahead, leading to proper positioning and limited instances where he’s caught overcommitting to a play.
Defensive Play
O’Brien is one of the better two-way centers of this year’s draft class. His spacing in the defensive zone is solid for a young player and with his commitment to playing a full game, the Bulldogs were able to rely on him in all different situations. His hockey IQ ties in well here as he reads plays well. O’Brien was able to be a trusted player, who was often used for critical faceoffs.
“O’Brien is an extremely crafty two-way centerman with a high hockey IQ and a strong ability to read and anticipate plays. Both his offensive and defensive instincts shine throughout the course of a game, displaying his understanding of space and timing.”
Mike Kennedy – FC Hockey – March 9th
Passing
Jake O’Brien is quite skilled at distributing the puck in the offensive zone. He seems to always know where his teammates are headed, and often gets the puck on the stick of his teammates in high-danger areas. O’Brien has solid hands as well, which he can use to open up lanes when he isn’t able to find a valid pass.
Comparables:
Patrice Bergeron: This comparison may be a stretch, but Bergeron and O’Brien share a lot of the same intangibles. Both players possess offensive skill while still excelling defensively, largely in part due to their hockey IQ. While unlikely that O’Brien reaches this ceiling, he has a lot of the same traits.
Ryan O’Reilly: O’Reilly may be a more realistic comparison for O’Brien, and it’s not because their last names both start with “O'”. Both forwards are skilled two-way centers who have brought a blend of leadership, skill, and commitment to their teams.
Anthony Cirelli: While not always given credit, Anthony Cirelli is a skilled forward who has been a major part of the Lightning’s success, especially lately. Cirelli recently landed in the top three for Selke voting, while still chipping in offense. The comparables are there for O’Brien, too, as he commits to playing the full ice and can be relied on in many situations.
Prospect Potential:
Jake O’Brien is looking like a skilled prospect who teams will be excited to draft, and grades out as a middle-six two-way center who can be relied on in all situations and won’t shy away from taking critical draws.
Best Potential Fits:
Anaheim Ducks: The Ducks select 10th overall in this year’s draft, and O’Brien would be a solid piece for the team. With uncertainty on the role Zegras plays in the lineup, adding more depth up the middle would be a luxury. With great offensive skill and potential already in the lineup, adding a two-way player like O’Brien could be a great move for the Ducks as they look to become a perennial playoff team.
Philadelphia Flyers: O’Brien would be a great addition for this Flyers team that is looking to start building for the future. Adding a center to the mix would be valuable, and especially one like O’Brien, who competes hard on both sides of the ice. The Flyers seem to have interest as they took O’Brien out for dinner, but selecting 6th overall, will there be a name they like more still available? There is also the option to trade down to acquire more picks as well, if they think he will still be available a few picks later.
Pittsburgh Penguins: The Penguins are in an interesting spot, holding the 11th overall selection. The team seems to be on the downswing, but hasn’t committed to a full rebuild with Malkin, Crosby, and Letang all still part of the team. Nonetheless, the Penguins will eventually lose two centers, in Malkin and Crosby, so adding a two-way center to their prospect pool would be a wise decision.
Stats via Elite Prospects
ITR 42: Ripe For Repeat? – Inside The Rink
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