With the 2025 NHL Entry Draft fast approaching, the Boston Bruins find themselves in an interesting position, holding the 7th overall pick after an unfavorable result in the draft lottery. While they had hoped for a higher selection, this pick still presents an opportunity to add a significant piece to their roster. One name that has consistently been linked to the Bruins at this spot is Jake O'Brien, a center currently playing for the Brantford Bulldogs in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).
O'Brien has emerged as a top prospect, particularly after an impressive 2024-25 season. He tallied 32 goals and 66 assists for a total of 98 points in 66 games. This performance showcased his offensive capabilities and playmaking skills, a significant jump from his previous season's totals. His youth is another appealing factor; born on June 16, 2007, he will still be 18 for the entirety of the 2025-26 season, giving the Bruins ample time to develop his already promising skill set.
Several factors make O'Brien a potentially ideal fit for the Bruins. Firstly, the Bruins have a glaring need for center depth, especially at the NHL level. With the retirements of Patrice Bergeron and David Krejčí, the team lacks a true number-one center. While they drafted Dean Letourneau in the 2024 NHL Draft, more high-end talent is needed to bolster the position.
O'Brien is a "quick processing high-IQ, two-way center with a well-rounded skill set and leadership qualities." His hockey IQ and playmaking abilities are considered elite, allowing him to read defenses and create opportunities with patience and vision. He excels in puck possession, forechecking, and creating offensive chances for himself and his teammates. He is also known for his defensive reliability, disrupting passing lanes and supporting his defensemen.
O'Brien's strengths extend to the power play, where he has demonstrated an ability to quarterback the unit with poise, finding weak-side options and creating high-danger chances. His coaches and teammates praise his work ethic and compete level, noting his relentless pursuit of loose pucks and his team-first mentality.
Some scouts draw comparisons between O'Brien and players like Nicklas Backstrom or a less dynamic Mitch Marner, praising his intelligence, creativity, and ability to control the pace of play. He has also been compared to Jett Luchanko for his high IQ and passing abilities but is considered a better finisher.
While O'Brien possesses many desirable qualities, there are areas where he needs improvement. Scouts have noted that his skating mechanics and physical strength need further development. He sometimes passes up scoring chances in favor of setting up teammates, suggesting a need to assert himself as a shooter more frequently. However, his strengths appear to outweigh his weaknesses, making him a compelling option for the Bruins.
If the Bruins select O'Brien, they would be getting a player with the potential to become a top-six center in the NHL. His combination of vision, hockey IQ, size, and playmaking ability aligns well with the team's needs.
