In the days following the Leafs signing Auston Matthews to a shiny new extension, the club announced that they have also signed former Flyers' prospect and 2018 first round pick Jay O'Brien to a one-year AHL contract. The deal will allow O'Brien to be sent between the ECHL's Newfoundland Growlers and the Marlies. O'Brien has spent the past three seasons at Boston University and, this past season, helped the club win an NCAA Championship.
Over his three seasons at Boston University, O'Brien registered 36 goals and 44 assists in 79 games, including 8 goals and 32 points in 39 games last season. Prior to joining Boston University, O'Brien spent the 2019-20 season with the Penticton Vees of the BCHL putting up 66 points in 46 games. He also spent one season at Providence College playing in 25 games and registering just 5 points.
The 6-foot, 185 pound center is a nice addition for the Marlies down the middle and adds to the overall organizational depth as they expect to have a few of their players, (Bobby McMann, Pontus Holmberg) make the jump to the NHL this season, or at least see them spend large chunks of time with the Leafs.
