Analysis: How Top-10 Pick Jake O’Brien Helps Kraken, Potential Timeline For Debut
The Seattle Kraken may have a type.
For the fourth time in five years, the Kraken selected a center in the first round, as they used their eighth overall selection of the 2025 NHL Draft on Jake O’Brien.
Now is as good of a time as any to take a look at what O’Brien has a chance to provide the Kraken now that he’s a member of the organization.
Background/Statistics
O’Brien turned 18 on June 16 and he spent the last two seasons as a member of the Brantford Bulldogs of the Ontario Hockey League. After putting together a solid 64 points in his “rookie” campaign in the OHL over 61 games, the forward took a big step forward during the 2024-25 campaign. He procured 32 goals and 66 assists over 66 games, and his 98 points ranked eighth among all players in the league. He added 11 more points in the postseason with three goals and eight assists over 11 games, for good measure.
What O’Brien Does Well
Quite a bit. O’Brien was considered one of the more well-rounded prospects in this class, and has the talent to be a multi-faceted contributor at the highest level. That may seem obvious for someone who was just selected with the eight pick overall, but it’s worth pointing out. The most impressive tool at his disposal might be his vision, as O’Brien gets rave reviews for being able to find the open player, and he’s decisive once he finds that player on any part of the ice. He has the rare combination of high IQ and creativity, which could make him a player that racks up the assists.
O’Brien’s creativity isn’t just limited to finding his teammates, however. While he’s not an elite athlete - more on that in a second - he’s considered “elusive” and is able to find creases to get his shot off. He has a solid if unspectacular shot, and he’s not someone defenders can sag off of.
On top of that, O’Brien is a willing defender who isn’t afraid of mixing it up and won’t shy away from physical play. He won’t likely be an elite option on the penalty kill, but he doesn’t have to be to provide value to the club when they don’t possess the puck.
What O’Brien Will Need To Work On
The biggest thing for O’Brien will be adding strength. He’s listed at 6-2, 170 pounds, and he’ll need to put on some muscle to handle the modern rigors of the NHL game. His projectable frame suggests he’ll be able to do just that, but it may take time; something he has considering his age.
O’Brien’s skating also gets mixed reviews. He’s far from unathletic, but several sources mentioned to me that he sometimes struggles when the game gets fast from a physical - but not mental - standpoint. Again, that’s something that can improve as he gets older and with professional development, but it’s certainly something to keep an eye on.
And if there’s one other critique, it’s that O’Brien at times can be too unselfish, passing on potential goal-scoring chances while trying to get his teammates involved.
Timeline
It’s tough to say with any NHL prospect, but in particular with O’Brien. In terms of skills, it doesn’t seem like O’Brien is all that far away from being able to contribute in the NHL. In terms of the necessary aforementioned improvements, however, it makes it unlikely that O’Brien is a “fast track” player for them. If I had to guess, I would say he’s a player who helps the Kraken in 2027-28, but there’s a wide range of outcomes in terms of that ETA.
Overall Thoughts
O’Brien was consistently mocked in the Top 10 by experts, so it’d be foolish to call this pick a reach in terms of process. It’s easy to understand why the Kraken would be interested in this type of player, as well, if he can improve his skating and does put on the necessary strength, he could be a steal.
My one quibble was passing on Radim Mrkta, who was selected one pick afterward by the Sabres. I thought Mrtka was the third best player in the draft, and it would have been a rare chance to fill a system need while also acquiring the BPA (best player available) with that selection. Still, because of O’Brien’s vision and success, it’s hard to fault them for going for the player with the high ceiling and high floor.
The Kraken got better today. I just would have slightly preferred they would have gotten better at a different position. It’s absolutely a compliment to Mrtka rather than insult to O’Brien, nonetheless, and time will tell if they got this selection right.
