Face Time: Top Pick Not Satisfied Just Scoring | Seattle Kraken
Jake O’Brien, the No. 8 overall pick in last summer’s NHL Draft, impressed in October with standout performances in the Ontario Hockey League. Despite posting exceptional numbers and earning the OHL Player of the Month award, the young center remains focused on mastering the finer aspects of his game.
O’Brien, a 2025 first-round selection by the Seattle Kraken, has helped the Brantford Bulldogs maintain an undefeated record in regulation at 13-0-3. Yet his attention is on continuous growth—specifically, his performance in faceoffs across all zones.
“We had a full staff video call with Jake a couple weeks ago,” said Cory Murphy, Kraken director of player development. “It was solely to go over faceoffs. He expressed he was looking for some help at the dot.”
To support him, the Kraken development team brought in experienced mentors. Frans Nielsen, the team’s Europe-based consultant who joined in 2022 after nearly 1,000 NHL games, has long specialized in faceoff techniques. He is joined by Zac Dalpe, another development consultant with extensive experience in both the NHL and AHL.
Murphy expressed confidence that, with their guidance, O’Brien is well-positioned to refine his skills and expand his impact on the ice beyond his scoring ability.
Author’s summary:
Jake O’Brien’s early success with Brantford shines, but his drive to perfect faceoff skills shows a maturity and dedication beyond his rookie status.