Player's Profile
Picture Courtesy of www.gophersports.com
- Name: Jim O'Brien
- Position: C
- Shoots: Right
- Height: 6-2
- Weight: 196 lbs
- Birthdate: 1989-01-29
- Eligible for Draft: 2007
- Drafted: 2007
- Hometown: Maplewood, Minnesota
- Acquired: 1st round (29th overall), 2007 by OTT
- Playing In: CHL
Jim O'Brien
Prospect Grade: 6.5 C (About Prospect Grades)
Profile Contributed By: HF Staff
History
A Maplewood, MN, Jim O’Brien comes to Ottawa with the potential to become the power forward they’ve been seeking. He was the youngest player in NCAA during the 2006-07 season and was expected to see his role increase with the University of Minnesota Gophers. His development course shifted when he decided to sign an entry-level contract with Ottawa so he could move to the WHL and play with the Seattle Thunderbirds. * Read this Hockey's Future article on Jim O'Brien
2004-05: O’Brien’s path to the NHL began with the USA U-17 NTDP squad. In 39 games with the national team, O’Brien tallied 9 goals and 11 assists, along with 38 penalty minutes. He participated in two tournaments with the USA 88 club, the 4 Nations and the World U17s. In all, he played 8 games, scoring 3 goals and 4 assists.
2005-06: Moving on to USA’s U-18 NTDP squad, O’Brien’s numbers more than doubled, although he did play in almost 20 more games. He finished the season with 41 points (17 goals, 24 assists) and 76 penalty minutes in 51 games. He competed in the 4 and 5 Nations tournament, picking a goal and an assist in both competitions. At the 2006 U18 WCs, O’Brien helped USA capture the gold medal, scoring 3 goals, 2 coming on the power play, and adding an assist in 6 games.
2006-07: O’Brien left the NTDP to attend University of Minnesota where he was the youngest player in college hockey. He capped a strong freshman year with 15 points (seven goals, eight assists) in 43 games. In April, O'Brien participated in the IIHF U-18 World Championships in Finland, helping Team USA to capture the silver medal. He posted seven points (three goals, four assists) in the tournament.
2007-08: O’Brien played in 70 games for the WHL Seattle Thunderbirds, where he accumulated 55 points – 21 goals and 34 assists. He played in 12 playoff games for Seattle, netting two goals and recording six assists for a total of eight points.
2008-09: Played six games in the AHL at the tail end of the season, managing one assist.
Talent Analysis
His 6'2 frame, strength and his ability to use to them to great advantage are O'Brien's strengths. While it is quite evident that he is still growing into his body, it's the immense potential of what he can do with it when he does that has many scouts taking serious notice. As good as O'Brien has shown that he can be in offensive situations, he's even better in defensive situations. He has the potential to become a very good defensive forward. His intelligence, willingness to block shots and the great care he takes in being responsible in his own end have helped make him an excellent penalty killer. He is also versatile in that he can play as a defenseman as well. O'Brien is an excellent skater combining powerful strides with deceptive speed. He isn't one to shy away from the physical side of the game and can deliver some very solid checks. With further physical development, O'Brien will become a more effective and intimidating presence on the ice.
Minnesota head coach Don Lucia's comment on O'Brien: "Jimmy, I think more than anything is extremely hard working, very dedicated and has high expectations for himself. You project players and where they are today but more importantly, where they can get to. Jimmy has a pretty good top-end where he can get to and I think he's going to get there with his dedication, commitment and work ethic."
Future
There is the possibility that O’Brien could switch to the right wing. Ottawa’s depth at that position is lacking, so it would give O’Brien a better chance to make the big club. Despite not lighting it up offensively, there’s nothing wrong with being a very solid, two-way checking center. Ultimately, he needs at least a year in the AHL, and it should give a better indication as to where he’ll fit in the NHL.
Stats
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Profile Last Updated: August, 26th 2009
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