Philadelphia Flyers first round NHL Draft pick Jay O'Brien is leaving Providence College following an injury-riddled freshman campaign. The Hingham, Mass., native scored just two goals and three assists in 25 games for the Friars. According to multiple sources, the former Thayer Academy star has entered the NCAA Transfer Portal. O'Brien is expected to play...
Philadelphia Flyers first round NHL Draft pick Jay O'Brien is leaving Providence College following an injury-riddled freshman campaign.
The Hingham, Mass., native scored just two goals and three assists in 25 games for the Friars. According to multiple sources, the former Thayer Academy star has entered the NCAA Transfer Portal. O'Brien is expected to play the 2019-20 season with the Penticton Vees, perennially one of the top teams in the BCHL.
O'Brien was selected by the Flyers with the 19th overall pick in the 2018 NHL Draft after putting up 43 goals and 37 assists in 30 games with Tony Amonte's Thayer Academy team during the 2017-18 season. In addition, O'Brien had impressed NHL scouts in stints with USA Hockey's NTDP U-18 team, including at the 2017 USHL Fall Classic.
O'Brien played his first two seasons of prep school at Dexter School before transferring to Thayer for his final two seasons.
An early season hit to the head resulted in a concussion and O'Brien was never fully able to integrate himself into the Friars' lineup. Providence went on to advance to the 2019 NCAA Frozen Four with O'Brien watching from the stands.
Another aspect of O'Brien's struggles during his freshman season that shouldn't be overlooked is just how difficult it is for players, even highly regarded prospects, to make the jump from prep school to college without playing a year of junior hockey.
Given O'Brien's previous track record and his seeming desire to stay close to home, one of the Beanpot schools would seem like a good fit for landing his services for the 2020-21 season. Northeastern, Boston College or Boston University all seem like possible destinations for O'Brien.
It should also be noted that O'Brien isn't required to transfer just because he's entered into the NCAA Transfer Portal. He could return to the Friars, but that seems very unlikely given the circumstances.
