BREAKING: Leafs Win Sweepstakes to Sign First-Round Pick

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Julien Trekker
August 25, 2023 (10:15)

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The Toronto Maple Leafs organization have announced an intriguing signing.

Treliving Signs Forward

Jay O'Brien has signed a one-year contract with the Maple Leafs.

Will the Flyers regret releasing him?

O'Brien was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers at the 19th overall pick in 2018.

The Hockey Writers went into depth on what they saw from O'Brien heading into the draft.

He demonstrates both good acceleration and speed and uses it to create space and scoring chances. He can finish as demonstrated by his 43 goals. He also has really good hands. Whether he's unleashing a shot or making a subtle extra move to create a shooting lane, he can do that at top speed and create havoc for opponents.

The obvious question that comes up with O'Brien is the level of competition he played against. We got a small glimpse of that at both the prospect's game and when he played for the USDP. He played a game against Michigan State where although he didn't score, he made some noticeable plays. He didn't look out of place against more experienced competition. The thing I'd like to see is continued improvement on the defensive end. He has improved there and shown flashes. I just want to see him do it against men. He'll get his chance to do that as his next stop is Providence to play for the Friars in 2018-19.

Last season, he played for Boston University and scored 32 points in 39 games.