Jake O’Brien (C, R, 6’2″, 175, Brantford Bulldogs, 06/16/2007)
Jake O’Brien is a quick processing high-IQ, two-way center with a well-rounded skill set and leadership qualities. His ability to control the pace of play, make smart decisions with the puck, and maintain a defensive-first mentality positions him as a potential top-15 selection in the 2025 NHL Draft. O’Brien is effective in all zones, excelling in puck possession, forechecking, and creating offensive opportunities for himself and his teammates. However, improvements in faceoff consistency, skating mechanics, and physical strength will be critical to his transition to the NHL. With his combination of skill, composure, and work ethic, O’Brien projects as a middle-six NHL center with upside as a reliable, matchup player.
Strengths:
Hockey IQ and Playmaking:
Processes the game at an elite level, reading defenses and creating opportunities with patience and vision.
Completes 86% of his passes (94.4% during the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup), often setting up Grade “A” scoring chances.
Controls the tempo of the game with calm decision-making and poise under pressure.
Two-Way Play and Defensive Reliability:
Highly responsible defensively, staying on top of opponents during puck battles while showing the quickness to cover for teammates when they get beat.
He is not a banger but he is physical on the forecheck as F1. O’Brien is very good at disrupting passing lanes or intercepting passes as the F2 or F3 and turning and turning his opponent’s mistakes into Grade “A” scoring opportunities.
Blocks shots, wins puck battles, and makes quick outlets to transition from defense to offense.
Puck Skills and Scoring Ability:
Quick, deceptive release with a “shoot-to-score” mentality, creating 1.79 Grade “A” opportunities per game while averaging only 3 shots per game.
Handles the puck well in tight spaces, using sneaky hands and a quick stick to generate scoring chances.
Quick-fluid hands in catch-and-release situations, avoiding unnecessary stickhandling to capitalize on opportunities.
Work Ethic and Compete Level:
Relentless second and third efforts on loose pucks, consistently staying around the play and playing through his opponent’s hands.
Battles hard in all zones, demonstrating a team-first mentality and a willingness to play physical.
Shows leadership qualities that elevate the performance of teammates.
Versatility:
Effective on the power play, responsible for puck distribution and creating offensive momentum.
Shows potential as a penalty killer, though limited usage suggests further development in his explosiveness, quickness and agility is needed.
Areas for Improvement:
Faceoff Efficiency:
Winning only 49% of faceoffs; needs to improve technique and strength to handle the tougher player matchups in professional hockey and to be a reliable option for important moments in the game.
Skating Mechanics:
Slightly hunched posture and short strides limit his speed and efficiency.
Developing core strength and single-leg power will help lengthen his stride and improve explosiveness.
Physical Development:
At 175 lbs, O’Brien needs to add muscle to better handle physical play. He is currently on the receiving end of 1.31 hard hits per game and that is simply too many to not get injured in the NHL.
Greater strength will improve his puck battle success rate (currently 48%) and ability to win draws.
Offensive Aggressiveness:
While an unselfish playmaker, O’Brien sometimes passes up scoring chances in favor of setting up teammates.
Needs to assert himself as a shooter more frequently to maximize his offensive impact.
2024/25 OHL Season Averages:
Averages 20:55 ice time, including 4:33 on the power play, showcasing his value in key offensive situations.
Maintains a strong 1.77 loose puck recoveries per game, reflecting excellent puck anticipation and game processing.
2024 Hlinka-Gretzky Cup:
Played a bottom-six role with Team Canada but impressed with defensive reliability and puck management (94.4% pass completion).
Showed versatility by excelling as a forechecker and covering defensively, even without offensive production.
Projection
Jake O’Brien’s blend of hockey IQ, work ethic, and two-way reliability makes him an ideal NHL center. His ability to elevate teammates and maintain composure under pressure will translate well to the professional level. While his offensive production may not be flashy, his consistent contributions in all areas of the game give him the potential to be a top-six center with long-term reliability. Improving his physical strength, skating, and faceoff consistency will be crucial to reaching his ceiling as a complete NHL player.
Draft Outlook: Top-15 selection in the 2025 NHL Draft.
Player Comparison: Ryan O’Reilly – A smart, two-way center with leadership qualities, reliable defensive play, and the ability to contribute offensively in all situations.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images