Jake O’Brien, the eighth‑overall selection in the 2024 NHL Draft, is preparing to make his professional debut with the Seattle Kraken this fall.
Physical preparation
At 6‑foot‑2 and 174 pounds, O’Brien is focusing on building strength, gaining weight and improving his cardio to meet the NHL’s demanding pace. He has been logging extensive leg‑strength workouts and endurance sessions to ensure he can handle the increased physicality of pro hockey.
His development plan also includes refining faceoff technique and neutral‑zone play, areas he has been studying on his own through video analysis.
A family‑driven mindset
O’Brien’s upbringing has been shaped by a household steeped in hockey. His mother, Amy Turek, was a professional player, and his father, Dan O’Brien, formerly starred for the NCAA. This environment has instilled a disciplined, self‑critical outlook that balances confidence with relentless self‑evaluation.
The young forward admits to feeling the weight of media scrutiny and team expectations, but he says the support from his family and the Kraken’s development staff helps him stay grounded.
Path to the AHL roster
The Kraken’s recent exemption allowing a 19‑year‑old prospect to remain in the AHL gives O’Brien a clear route if he fails to crack the NHL lineup out of training camp. He spent a brief stint with the Coachella Valley Firebirds in the playoffs after the Brantford Bulldogs were eliminated from the OHL finals, gaining a taste of pro‑level structure and defensive aggression.
Competing with fellow top prospect Berkley Catton, who remained with the Kraken last season, adds another layer of challenge. O’Brien’s improved points‑per‑game average — from 1.48 to 1.75 — shows he is ready to translate junior success into professional impact.
Beyond the rink, O’Brien has been exploring Seattle’s culture, attending Mariners games and trying salmon fishing in the Puget Sound, signaling a willingness to embrace life outside hockey.
With high expectations set by the Kraken’s management and a clear roadmap for physical and tactical growth, O’Brien is poised to make a meaningful contribution either in the NHL or the AHL this season.