The 2025 NHL Draft Lottery delivered a disappointing twist for the Boston Bruins, who slipped from the fifth to the seventh overall pick, dashing hopes for a higher draft selection. With just a 13.5% chance of dropping, the worst-case scenario materialized for the Original Six franchise, intensifying the pressure to make the most of their new position in the upcoming draft.
Despite the setback, the Bruins still find themselves within striking range of an impact player—and their eyes should be firmly set on one of the OHL’s brightest young stars: Jake O’Brien. The 6-foot-2 center from the Brantford Bulldogs has emerged as a premier prospect thanks to an electrifying season that saw him tally 32 goals and 66 assists for a total of 98 points across 66 games. That performance marks a massive leap from his previous season totals of 13 goals and 64 points, signaling a player whose development trajectory is sharply upward.
O’Brien’s youth adds another layer of appeal. With a birthday on June 16, 2007, he will still be 18 for the entire 2025–26 season, giving the Bruins a long developmental runway to mold his already promising skill set into a top-tier NHL center. Given Boston’s need for long-term help down the middle, O’Brien could be the perfect fit.
The Bruins’ Center Conundrum
The center position has been a long-standing challenge for the Bruins, especially in the wake of franchise icons like Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci hanging up their skates. While short-term stopgaps have filled the void to some extent, the organization has lacked a young, elite center to anchor their top lines for years to come.
Jake O’Brien offers a rare combination of vision, hockey IQ, size, and playmaking ability—traits that align perfectly with the Bruins’ needs. His standout season with Brantford didn’t just pad his stat sheet; it showcased his ability to lead, adapt, and drive offensive play. If he continues this trend, O’Brien could eventually slot in as a top-six center in Boston’s lineup—an outcome the team desperately needs to turn their prospect pool into future success.
Falling in the Draft, but Rising in Opportunity
While no team wants to fall in the draft lottery, history has shown that franchise-changing players can still be found outside the top five. Boston’s scouting department now carries the critical responsibility of ensuring they don’t miss. O’Brien, projected to be available around the seventh pick, could very well be their answer.
His rise in the OHL mirrors that of many NHL greats who used their draft years to catapult themselves into elite status. At 6-foot-2, he has the size NHL teams covet, and his nearly 100-point season suggests he’s much more than just raw potential—he’s a playmaker ready to be shaped into a cornerstone player.
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Coaching Search Adds Another Layer of Intrigue
Meanwhile, off the ice, the Bruins are navigating another major transition: their search for a new head coach. With interim coach Joe Sacco in the mix, General Manager Don Sweeney has emphasized a thorough evaluation process before naming a permanent replacement. Whoever takes the reins will not only be tasked with guiding the current roster but also shaping the development of incoming prospects like O’Brien, if selected.
Adding a player with O’Brien’s ceiling to the Bruins’ prospect pool could influence the type of coach the franchise pursues—someone with a proven track record in player development may suddenly become a more attractive option.
Building for the Future
In recent drafts, Boston has unearthed promising talent such as Frederic Brunet, a defenseman taken 132nd overall in 2022 who’s quickly rising through the ranks. However, the addition of a high-upside center like O’Brien would represent a significant step forward in balancing their system and preparing for a new generation of Bruins hockey.
While their draft lottery tumble may have been a bitter pill to swallow, the Bruins are still in a position to make a defining pick. Jake O’Brien may not be a lock for superstardom just yet, but with his upward trajectory and positional fit, he should be at the top of Boston’s draft board come June.
In a year marked by transition and opportunity, the Bruins can still come out on top—if they play their cards right.
