Center, Saginaw (OHL), 6-1, 184: The lefthanded shot had 62 goals and 72 assists in 65 regular-season games, scoring 50 goals in 50 games. He plays a complete, two-way game with tremendous on-ice awareness and anticipation coupled with strong skating and playmaking abilities. He could be the most NHL-ready player in the draft.

O'Brien would be a steal at this point in the draft, as Buffalo could try to replace center Dylan Cozens for the long haul with the sharpshooting O'Brien. He's coming off a 32-goal, 66-assist season in the OHL.

Following the NHL Draft Lottery on Monday, NHL.com deputy managing editor Adam Kimelman and senior draft writer Mike G. Morreale make their predictions for how the first 16 selections of the 2025 Upper Deck NHL Draft could turn out.