Brantford Bulldogs rookie Jake O'Brien has been named the OHL's rookie of the year for the 2023-2024 season.

Jake O'Brien was selected eighth overall by the Brantford Bulldogs in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection, but no one expects this kind of a rookie season from an eighth overall pick.

O'Brien finished his rookie season in the OHL with 64 points and 51 assists in just 61 games with the Bulldogs. He led all rookies in assists, points, and points-per-game. 

His rookie season is one for the ages, and it sets him up for an exciting draft eligible season beginning in September. If O'Brien can put up this kind of production and be this big of an offensive factor as an OHL rookie, what can he do with another season under his belt?

What allows O'Brien to produce so heavily is his vision. His vision in all three zones is elite, and he is constantly finding teammates without even looking at them. He finds sneaky passing lanes in the offensive zone, and he's able to find the best possible opportunity to score — whether that is him or a teammate.

O'Brien has high end hockey sense and that makes him a mature winger — despite just being a rookie. He quickly took on a top line role alongside Marek Vanacker this season, and that duo never broke apart. This young duo will be much more dangerous next season too.

O'Brien has been named OHL Rookie of the Year, and it seems that the Bulldogs have found another superstar through the OHL Priority Selection. Expect to see O'Brien in early 2025 NHL Draft conversations.