The Seattle Kraken just made their pick at No. 8 overall. And it was one heck of a good selection. Jake O'Brien is headed into the system, and fans shouldn't be happier. My first reaction? Wow. O'Brien just changed the entire trajectory of what's been a turbulent franchise.
I mean, 98 points in 66 games this past season and he fell to eighth overall? Are you kidding me? Hey, the Bruins, who picked at No. 7, messed up badly.
Yeah, James Hagens is talented and all, but O'Brien's that player you hope drops to your team. And guess what? He's a member of the Kraken's organization, and maybe even their top prospect. You can't beat that.
O'Brien didn't just produce way over a point per game - he gave Brantford, his OHL club, an assist per contest. Yeah, 66 assists in 66 contests. That screams playmaker for me. And with the likes of Shane Wright and Matty Beniers already in the Emerald City, oh, this is going to be good when O'Brien's NHL-ready.
The Kraken just landed a steal with Jake O'Brien and the fans have got to be proud
The Kraken are still in that 'expansion team mode,' if you think about it. Yeah, a playoff appearance in Year 2 helped, but what have they done since? They've lost way more than they've won, and they often looked like a team without an identity.
While Wright and Beniers are good, it wouldn't surprise me if O'Brien has the highest ceiling. He's a points producer, yeah, but he also has length, clocking in at 6'2, 170 lbs. He's got to grow into his frame, that's for sure, and there's no question about it.
But imagine if he put on another inch or two and added a good 30 pounds of muscle. If he keeps up with that playmaking ability as he puts on muscle and strength, O'Brien's going to have the skill and the build that opponents will fear.
That's the exact kind of player the Kraken are missing. No, O'Brien won't be in Seattle this season, sans perhaps a cameo appearance. But who cares? Have fun following his development, and when he's ready to rock, he's going to add a much-needed dose of offense. Stay tuned!
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