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2018 NHL Draft: 5 players the Montreal Canadiens need to draft

By Luke Armstrong

(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, PA – SEPTEMBER 30: Jay O’Brien #11 of Team USA handles the puck in the first period during the game against the Omaha Lancers on Day 3 of the USHL Fall Classic at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex on September 30, 2017 in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, PA – SEPTEMBER 30: Jay O’Brien #11 of Team USA handles the puck in the first period during the game against the Omaha Lancers on Day 3 of the USHL Fall Classic at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex on September 30, 2017 in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /

3. F Jay O’Brien – 2nd round (38th overall – from Chicago)

As a high school player at Thayer Academy, O’Brien hasn’t received the same media attention as some of his American counterparts. Playing for head coach Tony Amonte, he crushed the competition in the USHS and had scouts turning their heads at the under-18 nationals. He also impressed at the All-American Prospects Game and was extremely noticeable playing alongside top-10 prospects Brady Tkachuk and Quinn Hughes.

Montreal’s inability to find effective centers should put O’Brien on their radar. He’s an average-sized player but he isn’t afraid to get physical and utilize his strength to push himself in to position. He also has great hands and can dangle his way out of tough jams.

Next year will go a long way in putting his abilities to the test. He has committed to playing for Providence College in the NCAA. As a high schooler, his opponents routinely smothered him as he was almost always the best player on the ice. He’s looking forward to seeing more ice next year and felt after one game against Michigan State that he had much more room to move. How is first season on the college circuit goes could validate his selection, but he hasn’t looked out of place in brief stints against tougher competition.

Coming in to the draft ranked 46th by the ISS, he should be available in this position. Montreal desperately needs to find a center at some point in the second round, and O’Brien should be it.

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