SEA – Jake O’Brien, C (Brantford Bulldogs) 

13GP: 8G, 20A, 28PTS 

8th overall, 2025; Height: 6-2; Weight: 175 lbs 

O’Brien had a hell of a month of October for Brantford. He earned himself Player of the Week honours during the 2nd week of October where he put up eight points over three games in which he netted a hat-trick and a five point night in one of them. His totals for the month were up to 26 points in 12 games and kept his team undefeated in regulation. Deservedly so, he was named the OHL Player of The Month for October and currently sits in 3rd in points-per-game production. 

O’Brien is an extremely smart hockey player and a gifted passer, often finding open teammates even though they aren’t in his field of vision. When the puck is on his stick, he plays with poise and has the ability to carry it up the ice with control, weaving through traffic before creating. As a centreman, he positions himself well off the puck and rarely loses track of his defensive assignments. There’s no doubt O’Brien is a pass-first kind of player but he also puts the puck in the net and has a sneaky good release which has been showcased during many games this season. At 6-2, 175 pounds, he has room to add muscle to his frame which should help him improve in the faceoff circle and during puck battles. He will be an important player for the Kraken in the future and has middle-six centremen written all over him. 

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NSH – Brady Martin, C (Soo Greyhounds) 

4GP: 2G, 8A, 10PTS 

5th overall, 2025; Height: 6-0; Weight: 185 lbs 

After getting some NHL seasoning in Nashville to start the year, Brady Martin ultimately got sent down to continue developing with the Soo. He has quickly shown over his first four games why he was drafted 5th overall and why he deserved some games in the big league. 10 points in four games with the Greyhounds has him leading the league in points-per-game production. Martin’s game thrives on outworking opponents and never taking a shift off. He plays hard, finishes his checks and has undervalued puck skills. He scored a highlight-reel goal against Oshawa and it just might be in contention for goal of the year. 

Having a type of player like Martin in your lineup is what every coach dreams of. Tenacious, Fearless and Gamer are three words I would use to describe this guy. He plays in all three zones of the ice and logs big minutes every night. It’s hard as a coach not to throw him over the boards when you know what you’re going to get out of him. Martin’s high effort isn’t the only thing he provides to a lineup. He possesses an NHL shot and can create plays offensively with his playmaking. Martin is going to have a long career in the NHL in a top-six role whether that’s at centre or on the wing.

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UTA – Cole Beaudoin, C (Barrie Colts) 

12GP: 7G, 15A, 22PTS 

24th overall, 2024; Height: 6-2; Weight: 210 lbs 

Beaudoin’s trajectory as a prospect hasn’t been linear but he deserves some recognition for his hot start to the OHL season. In 12 games, he’s tallied seven goals and 15 assists for 22 points. He’s a sandpaper type player and a prototypical power-forward. Beaudoin doesn’t shy away from board battles and attacks the middle of the ice once he wins them. I’ve seen him lay some massive hits and he isn’t afraid to back it up by dropping the gloves. Beaudoin’s net-front presence is felt every game as he constantly disrupts goalies’ vision, tips pucks and pounces on rebounds. He’s a very good skater and displays it in all three zones whether that’s in transition or hauling back to his own end. Beaudoin takes pride in his 200 foot game, backchecking as hard as he can and kills penalties regularly. He’s definitely the type of player Utah is excited to add to their lineup as they inch closer to their first playoff berth. I see him bringing energy to their skilled lineup in a middle-six role and it’s only a matter of time before he makes his NHL debut. 

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Honorable Mentions: Adam Benak, Emil Hemming, Liam Greentree 

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Stay up to date with monthly OHL updates coming to you this season here at Dobber Prospects! 

If you want to see me rant about hockey on Twitter/X, you can follow me personally – @AlforqueE 

‘Til next time, 

Emmanuel Alforque