The tradition continues as the Seattle Kraken have signed 2025 first-round pick Jake O'Brien to a three-year, entry-level contract ($975,000 AAV) after the conclusion of the Stucky Cup.

Last year, it was 2024 first-round pick Berkly Catton who signed his contract on the ice; this year, it's the 6-foot-2, 177-pound right-handed centerman who inks his first professional contract. 

O'Brien's selection to the Kraken came as a surprise to some, as many people thought they would take a defenseman, but for the value they received with taking O'Brien at eighth overall, the Kraken were deemed one of the winners of the first round. 

In the announcement of O'Brien's entry-level contract, Kraken general manager Jason Botterill shared why they believed he was the right pick.

"Jake has amazing hockey sense, playmaking skills and is driven to get better. We understand this is step one, but it's obviously every little boy's dream to play in the National Hockey League, and that first step is to sign your first pro contract."

O'Brien truly is one of the smartest players in the 2025 draft class and one of the best pure playmakers with high defensive upside. His slight frame for his lengthy body needs to fill out, but adding weight as an 18-year-old shouldn't pose too much of a challenge. 

At the moment, O'Brien is poised to return to the Brantford Bulldogs in the OHL, looking to improve on his 32-goal and 98-point season in which he skated in 66 games. He could very likely be one of the first names announced to Team Canada's World Junior roster if he continues to improve in the OHL and impresses at the World Junior Summer Showcase. 

Following development camp, O'Brien will participate in the rookie showcase against the Vancouver Canucks and will partake in training camp and preseason.

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