Flyers draft Jay O'Brien 19th overall

The Philadelphia Flyers selected forward Jay O'Brien with the 19th overall pick in the 2018 NHL Draft on Friday night.

Jay O'Brien

Position: C
Height: 5-foot-11
Weight: 176 lbs
Age: 18
Club: Thayer Academy (USHS-Prep)
Nationality: American

O'Brien was ranked the 32nd-best North American skater by NHL Central Scouting, making it an off-the-board pick by the Flyers.

Nonetheless, he was unstoppable this past season at Thayer Academy, a prep school in Massachusetts, tallying 43 goals and 80 points in just 30 games.

"He's a skilled center who can make difficult offensive plays off the rush. He's confident with the puck and isn't afraid to hold it for an extra second," said The Athletic's Corey Pronman. "His skating has looked fine to me, but I've seen shifts where a slightly awkward stride can limit his explosiveness."