Philadelphia Flyers won’t sign 2018 first-round pick Jay O’Brien

According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the Philadelphia Flyers will not sign forward Jay O’Brien and he’ll become a UFA this summer.

The Flyers will receive a second-round pick in 2023 as compensation, the normal course of action when a team doesn’t sign a first-round pick.

O’Brien, 23, was a first-round pick by Philadelphia in 2018 after spending the year playing prep hockey. He joined Providence College in 2018-19 but had just five points in 25 games. He deferred from college and joined the BCHL’s Penticton Vees for 2019-20.

After one year in the BCHL, he joined Boston University for 2020-21. He had a point-per-game through 16 games and then put up 22 points in 24 games the following season. O’Brien missed time due to an injury last year and required hip surgery, but was back in time to start the 2022-23 season. His college career came to an end earlier this week after recording 32 points in 39 games.

While Friedman didn’t give a reason for the Flyers not signing O’Brien, a lack of positive progression is likely the case. As a senior, he fell short of putting up a point-per-game, even if he was a valuable piece of BU’s attack. It’s worth noting that O’Brien was drafted by Ron Hextall, two GMs before current boss Daniel Briere.

So, with O’Brien becoming a free agent, he could be a decent depth pickup somewhere in the league. A quick skater, O’Brien brings some significant energy and a decent shot. He could be a quality AHLer with the chance to play a depth role from time to time, assuming a team gives him a chance.