Jake O’BRIEN

Center
6’2/172
Right
Brantford Bulldogs/OHL

Related: Malcolm Spence

Jake O’Brien was selected eighth overall by the Brantford Bulldogs in the 2023 OHL Draft, in his rookie 2023–24 season, he set franchise records for assists (51) and points (64) by a rookie, leading all OHL rookies in multiple offensive categories. His exceptional play earned him the Emms Family Award as the OHL Rookie of the Year, along with selections to the CHL All-Rookie Team and the OHL First All-Rookie Team. Known for his exceptional playmaking abilities and vision on the ice, O’Brien is considered a cerebral tactician and a top prospect for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. He is currently ranked 8th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting. On January 9, 2025, O’Brien was named captain of the Eastern Conference for the inaugural Connor McDavid OHL Top Prospects Game. He contributed three assists during the game and was honored as the Most Valuable Player for Team East. O’Brien is being deployed in all situations at the OHL level and logging 22 minutes per game in the 2024-25 season, while putting up 22 goals and 55 points in 43 games. His Draft stock is rising rapidly due to his dependable two-way play, leadership, and intangibles, which teams highly praise. If O’Brien finishes the season strong, I could see him being taken as high as 12th in the draft, similar to Jett Luchanko by the Philadelphia Flyers in 2024.

Size/Strength Good
Skating Average
Shot/Scoring Good
Puckhandling Great
Physical Play Great
Offensive Play Great
Defensive Excellent
Hockey Sense Excellent
Competitiveness Excellent

Strengths

1. The playmaking that he brings to the game is just so dangerous. He can shred a defense in the offensive zone with his passing and vision.
2. He has the skill set to impact the game offensively as a distributor/playmaker or shooter. O’Brien reads how plays are developing and pounces on his opportunities.
3. He’s being deployed in all situations, logging over 22 minutes per game and is an excellent defensive player.

Areas of Improvement

1. Skating needs to be improved.
2. He Needs to have more patience when with the puck, as he tends to rush his decision-making with it.
3. Is a low-volume shooter.

Scouting Report

Jake O’Brien is a highly touted prospect playing for the Brantford Bulldogs in the OHL; standing at 6’2 and 172 lbs, O’Brien is celebrated for his exceptional playmaking abilities. His vision on the ice allows him to navigate through traffic and deliver precise passes to teammates. He adeptly manipulates opponents with his movements, often holding the puck just long enough to create optimal scoring opportunities. In his rookie OHL season, O’Brien tallied 13 goals and 51 assists over 61 games, setting a program record for assists and points by a rookie. He led all OHL rookies in points, assists, power-play goals, power-play assists, and points per game. His outstanding performance earned him the Emms Family Award as the OHL Rookie of the Year. So far in the 2024-25 season, O’Brien has tallied 22 goals and 55 points in 43 games and is on pace to shatter his point total from his rookie year. O’Brien was named captain of the Eastern Conference for the inaugural Connor McDavid OHL Top Prospects Game. During the game, he recorded three assists and was named MVP for Team East. O’Brien has the vision and awareness to chip the puck to an open spot where he and his team can regain control. His spatial awareness is off the charts, as he is able to recognize gaps that defenders are giving him and manipulate them. O’Brien’s passing vision and ability to find his teammates through loads of traffic is tremendous. His complete vision allows him to dish the puck to his teammates without even looking at them, and this is where his manipulation/deception comes in. He is a nightmare for opponents to track, and he is able to move the puck around opponents at this level. O’Brien’s combination of size, vision, and playmaking skills make him a top prospect for the upcoming NHL draft. His ability to control the game’s pace and create scoring opportunities sets him apart as a future asset at the professional level. On top of his elite offensive play, he is also one of the top defensive forwards in this draft class, as he has been deployed in all situations. The NHL comparison for O’Brien is Ryan O’Reilly, a smart, two-way center with leadership qualities and reliable defensive play. While O’Brien certainly has been a productive offensive producer at the OHL level, his calling card in the NHL will be his elite two-way play and leadership qualities. Jake O’Brien has the potential to be a top 6 two-way center in the NHL and a top 15 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.

Skill: Reliable Two-Way Center with elite defensive and offensive contributions

NHL Comparable: Ryan O’Reilly

NHL Potential: Top 6 Two-way Center

Season	Team	League	GP	G	PTS
2023-24	Brantford Bulldogs	OHL	61	13	64
2024-25	Brantford Bulldogs	OHL	43	22	55