Jay O’Brien Information
Current Team: Boston University (NCAA)
Nationality: American
Position: Center
Age: 20
Height/Weight: 5’11/ 185 lbs
The Flyers selected Jay O’Brien in the first round, 19th overall, in the 2018 NHL Draft. It was a hot pick for the Flyers, as O’Brien was drafted right out of High School.
Before he was drafted, he played two seasons in the USHS-Prep league with Thayer Academy. From his time there, he notched 86 goals and 102 assists for 188 points in 120 games. At the time he was listed as one of the best US high school players, but with the players available at the time for the Flyers, this was a little risk.
The following season after O’Brien was drafted he choose the college route and played with Providence College for the 2018/19 season. Although, with a terrible first college year, Flyers fans were a little worried about how he would develop.
O’Brien did not fit the mold of the Province team, in which he struggled to get ice time, had a hard time keeping up with the pace of play, and was hit with a wall of injuries, playing of 25 games. In total, he scored two goals and three assists for five points that year.
After a hard season in Providence, O’Brien left college to play with the Penticton Vees of the British Columbia Hockey League(BCHL) for the 2019/20 season. He had a breakout year scoring 25 goals and 41 assists for 66 points in 46 games, leading the team in points and was tied for fourth in the entire BCHL in points. O’Brien also earned himself a first team All-Star selection and served as the alternate captain for the Vees.
It’s safe to say he is showing why he is still deserving of being a first-round pick. Next season he will go back to college and play for Boston University. Boston will be getting some impactful players as well, so it should help Jay and his game. The BCHL is the perfect route for college bound players. This is definitely help O’Brien with his skills, confidence, and maturity.
Scouting Report
O’Brien is a great skater who, when has the confidence, can play a fast pace game. With soild edegwork and agility, he can create space for himself to get a scoring chance or make a play. He has excellent puck-handling abilities and has an eye for the soft spots on the ice. He can quickly get a shot off or make a play of the rush. He has a knack for the net and scoring goals. Jay is strong in tight and with his hands, he can make a move to beat the goalie. Combining his skating and offensive abilities, he can create dangerous scoring opportunities. Defensively, O’Briend needs to work on his strength. But he does work hard in the defensive zone and gets back to support the defense. He focuses more on positional play then being physical.
Future With Flyers
I would say O’Brien need about two more years of playing in college. Depending on how he does at Boston University this upcoming season, that will determine how long he needs to turn pro. Even if it takes all four college years, O’Brien has the potential to be a soild middle-six player for the Flyers. He can score goals, make plays, and be reliable defensively. Jay will also play an important leadership role in the future as well.
Cant wait to see this kid play with confidence at the college level for a few years, hopefully thats what he needs before taking a big step to pro hockey. Frost, O’Brien, and rattcliffe all have huge upside!
I expect real big years from O”Brian and Ratcliffe!