JAKE O'BRIEN

2025-05-05

Scout: Patrick Ploch

Skating:

Above Average. O'Brien has a pretty smooth efficient stride that helps him stay in good position.

Passing/Handling:

Jake is a pretty skilled passer and handler. He can generally stickhandle well in a crowd and has accurate passing.

Shooting:

He is an efficient shooter who takes smart shots.

IQ (Vision, Anticipation, Panic/Poise):

O'Brien exhibits higher end vision and poise. He is rarely out of position, anticipates play well and stays calm.

Forechecking:

Jake is good on the forecheck. More often than not, he wins board battles or otherwise keeps the puck in the zone.

Defense:

He is very responsible defensively. He helps break up plays and does well on the penalty kill.

Best Asset:

His best asset is his hockey IQ. His passing and skating are good but wouldn't be as good without the IQ

Biggest Concern:

He's pretty solid overall but I think the shot needs some work.

Top Tier/Role Potential:

Jake =O'Brien has the potential to be a first line center on PP1

Justification for Top Tier Assessment:

While not the highest end skillset, all of his skills are pretty good making for a good total package.

50th Percentile Tier/Role:

Middle six center that sees time on the 2nd line but for pretty certainly the third line at a minimum.

Justification for 50th Percentile Tier Assessment:

His overall skillset has become very noticeable as the season has progressed. Unless the growth of his game falters, that skillset will give him a pretty high baseline for his potential.

Stylistic Comparable:

Ryan O'Reilly is one possibility. Both skilled two way centers that have a decent amount of skill but not the highest.

Scouts Final Thoughts and Additional Stats/Info:

Games Scouted:

Brantford Bulldogs v Kingston Frontenacs 2/21, v North Bay Battalion 3/28, v Oshawa Generals 04/13