Jake O'Brien Prospect Write Up
- David Buckley
- Jun 27
- 4 min read
Jake O'Brien, a 6-foot-2, 170-pound center, has emerged as one of the most intriguing prospects for the 2025 NHL Draft. Currently playing for the Brantford Bulldogs in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), O'Brien combines elite playmaking, a high hockey IQ, and two-way reliability, making him a candidate to watch. While his weight might deter some teams from drafting him early, his skill set and potential to bulk up suggest he could climb draft rankings and become a significant asset for the team that takes a chance on him. Here’s an in-depth look at his NHL player comparison, junior stats, and skill set.
O'Brien has put up eye-catching numbers in the OHL, showcasing his offensive prowess and consistency. In the 2024-25 season, he recorded 32 goals and 66 assists for 98 points in 66 games, placing him among the league's top scorers. His playmaking stands out, with 40 of his 66 assists coming on the power play, demonstrating his ability to quarterback special teams. In his rookie season, he earned a spot on the CHL All-Rookie Team and the OHL First All-Rookie Team, and he followed that up with a near-100-point campaign in his draft-eligible year.
Beyond raw point totals, O'Brien’s advanced metrics highlight his efficiency. He averages 1.79 Grade-A chances per game, despite a relatively low shot volume, reflecting his deceptive and creative style. Defensively, he’s no slouch either, his commitment to backchecking and shot-blocking adds a two-way dimension to his game that’s rare among high-scoring juniors.
(You can see his offensive prowess how he creates time and space, and his defensive awareness and focus to always back check or be in position.)
Playing Style
O'Brien is a finesse player with exceptional vision and creativity. He excels at slowing the game down, reading defenses, and threading passes through tight spaces. His dynamic puck-handling and play in traffic allow him to navigate through opponents with ease. However, his skating lacks top-end speed, and his current 170-pound frame raises questions about his physical readiness for the NHL. That said, his intelligence allows him to anticipate plays and position himself effectively, often negating the need for brute strength. His defensive instincts and work ethic further round out his game, making him a reliable option in all situations.
(In the video, Jake stock handles in a phone booth and absolutely dekes defenders out of their skates and then buries a wrister)
Potential to Move Up
Initially pegged as a mid-to-late first-round talent, O'Brien has steadily climbed draft boards, with some now viewing him as a top-5 candidate for the 2025 NHL Draft. His late-season surge 59 points in his final 33 games, and a strong playoff showing (11 points in 11 games) have fueled this rise. His leadership, evidenced by his captaincy for the Eastern Conference at the OHL Top Prospects Game (where he earned MVP honors with three assists), adds to his appeal. As one of the youngest players in his draft class (born June 16, 2007), O'Brien offers a long developmental runway, boosting his potential to move up rankings as the draft nears.
Size Concerns
At 6-foot-2 and 170 pounds, O'Brien’s slight build is a frequent point of critique. Teams may hesitate to draft him early due to concerns about his ability to handle the NHL’s physicality, especially in faceoffs and board battles. However, there’s significant room for optimism. O'Brien has already shown physical growth, gaining nearly 20 pounds and an inch and a half between his 16- and 17-year-old seasons. With a dedicated strength program, he can bulk up further, potentially reaching a weight more typical of NHL centers (around 190-200 pounds).
Moreover, O'Brien’s game doesn’t rely solely on physicality. His high IQ and quick decision-making allow him to avoid prolonged scrums, often escaping pressure with precise passes or clever positioning. As one analyst put it, “He’s so intelligent that these confrontations don’t even have time to develop.” While size may not be his selling point now, his frame and potential to add muscle mitigate this concern over time.
NHL Prospects and conclusion
Jake O'Brien is a prospect with a rare blend of elite playmaking, defensive reliability, and untapped potential. His stats and performances in the OHL signal a player capable of becoming a top-six center in the NHL, potentially anchoring a second line with his vision and two-way play. While his size and skating mechanics present challenges, his intelligence, work ethic, and physical growth trajectory suggest he can overcome them.
For teams willing to invest in his development, O'Brien represents a low-risk, high-reward pick. People might not draft him for his size today, but with time to bulk up and refine his game, he could prove to be a steal in the 2025 NHL Draft. As the draft approaches, expect O'Brien to remain a focal point of discussion, with the potential to make a lasting impact at the next level.
(Jake shows off his creativity here creating space and finding passing lanes most people his age wouldn't be able to find let alone attempt.)
Comparison
When projecting O'Brien’s NHL potential, a fitting comparison is Nashville's center Ryan O'Reilly Like O'Brien, O'Reilly was a highly intelligent, two-way center in his draft year, valued more for his hockey sense and playmaking than for physical dominance. At 6-foot-1 and around 180 pounds in his junior days, O'Reilly faced similar questions about his frame but developed into a physically reliable NHLer. O'Reilly’s elite vision, precise passing, and defensive responsibility evidenced by his Selke Trophy as the NHL’s best defensive forward mirror O'Brien’s strengths in the OHL. Both players excel at controlling play, creating scoring chances, and contributing in all zones. If O'Brien can add muscle and refine his skating, as O'Reilly did, he could follow a similar path to becoming a dependable, two-way NHL center. O'Reilly is also always tops in the NHL in faceoffs, and O'Brien will have some work to do to get there.
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