Jim O’Brien

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: After two years in the US National Development program, O’Brien joined up for a season with the University of Minnesota (WCHA). In 41 games he scored six goals and 14 points, and the school took the WCHA title. He also competed with the US National U18 Team, netting three goals and seven points in seven games; the US won Silver at the tournament.

2007-08: The center set several career-highs this season, including goals (21), assists (34) and points (55) in 70 games with the Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL). He did not compete internationally this season. 

2008-09: O’Brien spent the majority of the season with the Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL), his second straight season with the club. In 63 games he tallied a career-high 27 goals, 35 assists and 62 points. He also saw his first bit of pro hockey, registering an assist in six games with the B-Sens (AHL). He skated with the US National U20 Team, netting a goal and four points at the WJC. Expect to see him with Binghamton next season.

2009-10: His first full season of pro hockey came and went with some disappointment for the Minnesota native, only tallying eight goals and nine assists with Binghamton as he struggled playing against pro players.

2010-11: O’Brien brought his career back on track with an excellent second season with Binghamton tripling his goal scoring output, adding 32 assists and a solid plus 17 rating while centering the team’s second scoring line. His fine play earned him a six-game look in Ottawa where he was held off the score sheet. He was part of the contingent of players who contributed outstanding all-round play to the Binghamton championship team; taking on a checking role while scoring three times and setting up another four goals.