Jake O'Brien of the Brantford Bulldogs looks on during the game between the OHL East and OHL West conferences during the Connor McDavid OHL Top Prospects Game at Brantford & District Civic Centre on January 15, 2025 in Brantford, Canada. (Photo by Kevin Sousa/Getty Images)
(Photo by Kevin Sousa/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – With the NHL Draft just a week away, the biggest overlying question surrounding the league’s newest franchise is very simple. Who will the Utah Mammoth pick at 4? Following combine week, let’s take a look at potential prospects. Next up, Jake O’Brien.
O’Brien is an 18-year-old center from Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Before his days in the OHL, O’Brien began his playing career in the OJHL with the Toronto Jr. Canadiens.
During the 2022-23 campaign, he served as the Jr. Canadiens captain and recorded 16 goals with 17 assists in 34 games.
O’Brien also added seven goals and ten assists (team-high) in seven games during the OHL Cup.
For his efforts, he was awarded the Tim Adams Memorial Trophy as MVP.
Subsequently, O’Brien was then drafted eighth overall by the Brantford Bulldogs in the 2023 OHL draft.
Over the last two seasons, the young center has thrived in Brantford with 162 total points (45G, 117A).
Appearing on most mock drafts as a consensus top 10 selection, O’Brien is another one of the premier playmakers in the 2025 NHL Draft with great vision, creativity, positioning and an ability to swiftly paralyze defenders with his illusive handles.
After watching O’Brien for just a few minutes it becomes very apparent that he simply sees the ice better than most.
Whether he’s down low, setting up shop near the left faceoff circle or driving towards the net, it’s clear that he processes the game incredibly fast while remaining patient for the right play to develop in order to maximize dangerous opportunities.
Almost as if he can magically predict the sequence before it happens.
I watched more of Jake O’Brien recently and wow, was I ever impressed.
High IQ player with advanced playmaking ability. Has so many tools. Just hasn’t quite put it all together.
He will go top-10 in June. Here are some playmaking clips from his last 10 GP (#44).#2025NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/yHTbQMAKyY
— Ben Misfeldt 🇨🇦 (@BBMHockey) March 14, 2025
While he is more of a pass-first player, O’Brien also has a fierce shot and will often place himself in threatening positions to score when he’s not leading the rush.
Defensively, O’Brien utilizes that same vision and foresight to remain involved in his own zone and disrupt plays.
As O’Brien begins his transition to the NHL, he will need to add more weight, muscle and physicality to his game.
Standing 6-foot-2, O’Brien has good size, but he’s not generally known as a physically imposing player.
That will need to change.
Additionally, if O’Brien wants to be a top six center, he’ll need to improve in the faceoff circle as he won just 43.6 percent over the last two seasons.
Similar to Brady Martin, Jake O’Brien seems to be another prospect that may be somewhat of a reach at No. 4.
While Utah did take the young center to dinner during the combine, it’s hard to imagine Utah passing over the likes of Porter Martone, Caleb Desnoyers, Anton Frondell or James Hagens, most of which will still likely be available when Utah is on the clock.
Add another to Utah’s dinner list.
Jake O’Brien. https://t.co/Dh9txzo8LT
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) June 6, 2025
However, Bill Armstrong has been known to pick guys a little earlier than expected which certainly keeps O’Brien in the mix of players that Utah could be considering.
Given his offensive game, defensive reliability, size and potential to grow, O’Brien fits the mold of what the Mammoth are searching for if they make the pick.
Following the conclusion of the Utah Mammoth’s inaugural season, the next notable event will be the NHL Draft on June 27 and 28.
After recently drawing the fourth overall draft pick in the 2025 NHL draft, each of Utah’s upcoming draft selections will be dressed in the new Utah Mammoth home sweater.
Full story: Utah Hockey Club Draws No. 4 Overall Pick In 2025 NHL Draft Lottery
