Top Seattle Kraken prospect Jake O'Brien makes pro debut with Firebirds

Jake O'Brien, the eighth overall selection in the 2025 NHL entry draft, made his pro hockey debut on Wednesday, and wasn't overwhelmed by the moment.

Playing in Game 1 of the Pacific Division Finals of the Calder Cup Playoffs, the 18-year-old from Toronto slid into the Coachella Valley Firebirds' lineup in the absence of forward Jacob Melanson, who was out with an upper-body injury. The Firebirds lost, 3-0.

O'Brien, who was drafted by the Firebirds' NHL affiliate, the Seattle Kraken, joined the Firebirds May 6 following the completion of this junior season with the OHL's Brantford Bulldogs. O'Brien had practiced with the Firebirds for a week but had not dressed for a game until Wednesday.

"It was obviously a whirlwind losing in the playoffs and then coming here," said O'Brien, who'll turn 19 on June 16. "Then, just getting into the lineup was pretty exciting. My mom and step-dad flew down. So, it was pretty cool getting in the lineup tonight and playing."

Wearing jersey No. 44, Brien did not take a shot but he made some nice passes, which is the part of his game that is the most polished. He also made some smart plays, including a moment when his stick broke on defense and he did not shy away from positioning himself in front of the puck defending without the stick.

"It was very fast, very physical," O'Brien said of his first pro action. "Kind of what I was expecting. I did a lot of video before, preparing for this game. Definitely a lot faster than junior was for me and I'm going to continue to get better here."

Coachella Valley Firebirds forward Jake O'Brien looks for an open shot during the third period of Game 1 of the Pacific Division Finals at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, Calif., Wednesday, May 13, 2026.