Jake O'Brien - NHL News & Rumors | FOX Sports

Trio of helpers in OHL loss O'Brien registered three assists in OHL Brantford's 5-4 loss to Oshawa on Sunday.

Impact O'Brien had been in a bit of a cold patch with a goal and three helpers over his previous seven contests. Despite the slowdown, he's still first in the OHL with 44 points this season, contributing 10 goals and 34 assists over 24 appearances. The Kraken prospect should continue to be among the league leaders throughout the year as he provides a strong playmaking element in a high-scoring offense.

DECEMBER 1 • ROTOWIRE

Extends OHL scoring lead O'Brien scored a goal and added three assists in OHL Brantford's 5-4 win over Oshawa on Friday.

Impact O'Brien extended his OHL scoring lead to seven points over Bulldogs teammate and Wild prospect Adam Benak. With nine goals and 28 assists through 16 contests, O'Brien has been absolutely stellar, showing significant growth even from his 32-goal, 98-point regular season in 2024-25.

NOVEMBER 8 • ROTOWIRE

Dishes four helpers in OHL win O'Brien registered four assists in OHL Brantford's 6-2 win over Saginaw on Sunday.

Impact O'Brien is leading the OHL with 32 points over 14 appearances. He's made noise as a playmaker, earning eight goals and 24 assists so far. The 18-year-old center should continue to be a key part of the Bulldogs' talented offense throughout 2025-26.

NOVEMBER 3 • ROTOWIRE

Paces Brantford's offense in win O'Brien scored a goal and added three assists in OHL Brantford's 4-1 win over Oshawa on Sunday.

Impact O'Brien has reached the scoresheet in 10 of his 11 juniors games this season. The center has four efforts of three or more points after getting involved in all of the Bulldogs' goals in this contest. O'Brien is a Kraken prospect, selected eighth overall in 2025, and the 18-year-old could get a look with the big club as early as 2026-27 if he keeps up this kind of scoring pace.

OCTOBER 27 • ROTOWIRE

Leading performer in win Friday O'Brien scored a goal on two shots and added two assists in OHL Brantford's 6-0 win over Sudbury on Friday.

Impact O'Brien has been back in the junior ranks for a couple of weeks, and he's already racked up eight points in five games for the Bulldogs. The Kraken prospect is captaining Brantford this year, so he'll be a massive part of the team's offense and could also be in contention for a spot on Team Canada's World Junior Championship roster. He had 98 points in 66 regular-season games in 2024-25, which was his draft year.

OCTOBER 11 • ROTOWIRE

Back in junior ranks O'Brien is not listed on the Kraken's roster, indicating he has was reassigned to OHL Brantford this week, per the NHL media site.

Impact O'Brien was reportedly dealing with an undisclosed injury, but that is apparently no longer a concern. Expected the eighth-overall pick from 2025 to continue his development with the junior club this year before pushing for an NHL spot in the next one or two years.

SEPTEMBER 28 • ROTOWIRE

Won't play Friday O'Brien (undisclosed) has been ruled out for Friday's preseason game against the Canucks, Alison Lukan of the Kraken Hockey Network reports.

Impact O'Brien was in a non-contact sweater during Wednesday's practice session, and he'll be left off the roster for Friday's preseason game. The exact nature and severity of his injury aren't yet clear, but his next opportunity to suit up will be in Monday's preseason game against the Flames. Once he's healthy, he'll likely head to OHL Brantford for a second consecutive season.

SEPTEMBER 26 • ROTOWIRE

Working in non-contact jersey O'Brien was on the ice in a non-contact sweater Wednesday, Brogan Houston of Deseret News Sports reports.

Impact O'Brien was selected with the eighth overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft and is a long shot to secure a spot on the Opening Night roster. Given all the young talent on the Kraken roster, the team will likely take its time allowing O'Brien to get NHL-ready. Once given the all-clear, O'Brien will likely be headed back to OHL Brantford, where he racked up 98 points in 66 regular-season games last year.

SEPTEMBER 24 • ROTOWIRE