Jay O'Brien's journey to potentially join the Boston Bruins took an unexpected twist. At the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, with the 30th pick, O'Brien was a contender for the team.
An Unforeseen Turn
An NHL scout shared, "Interest in him was genuine. Looking back, it's easy to say many were surprised he wasn't available for the Bruins."
However, fate led him to the Philadelphia Flyers at 19th overall, while the Bruins picked John Beecher. Now, O'Brien's chance to sign has emerged as the Flyers didn't ink him by last Monday.
A Second Shot?
Could O'Brien, with impressive stats last season, become the second NCAA free agent the Bruins sign this off-season?
"He's not the tallest, and reaching the net is a challenge," mentioned the scout.
Another scout echoed, "He's pretty average and lacks the finesse for a leading role or physicality for a fourth-liner."
Could O'Brien transition to a wing?
"It's possible," the scout pondered. "For now, I see him more in the AHL."
The untaken route of 2019 might offer O'Brien a new chance, be it with the Bruins or another chapter.
Source bostonhockeynow
POLL | ||
21 AOUT | 137 ANSWERS The Flyers' Top Prospect is on the Bruins' Radar Do you think Jay O'Brien would fit well into the Bruins system? | ||
Yes | 82 | 59.9 % |
No | 55 | 40.1 % |
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