The Seattle Kraken have reassigned 18-year-old forward Jake O’Brien to the AHL’s Coachella Valley Firebirds as part of their strategy to develop prospects for the Calder Cup playoffs. O’Brien, selected eighth overall by the Kraken a year ago, had a standout season in the OHL with the Brantford Bulldogs, finishing with 28 goals and 93 points in 55 games, along with a +34 rating. He has demonstrated significant offensive potential, making him a key asset for the Kraken, who have struggled with scoring this season.

By the Numbers
  • O’Brien scored 28 goals and 93 points in 55 games during his final OHL season.
  • Seattle's highest scorer, Jordan Eberle, had only 26 goals and 55 points in 80 games.
State of Play
  • The Kraken are in need of high-production forwards, finishing 28th in league scoring.
  • O'Brien’s transition to professional hockey could bolster the team's offensive capabilities moving forward.
What's Next

As O’Brien practices with the Firebirds, his performance will be monitored closely to assess his readiness for a potential call-up. The Kraken may seek to enhance their roster with a high-caliber goal scorer to complement O’Brien’s playmaking skills.

Bottom Line

O'Brien’s assignment to the AHL is a strategic move aimed at developing a much-needed offensive talent for the Kraken, reflecting their goal to improve scoring and competitive standing in the league.