The Latest on Jimmy O'

Welcome all.

I'm going to break my blogging seal with a recap of Jim O'Brien's (Sens 1st round, 29th overall pick in 2007 draft) performance thus far. Soon after he was drafted, he signed a three-year entry level contract with the Ottawa Senators, thus ending his college eligibility. He then joined the Seattle Thunderbirds of the Western Hockey League, a hard-nosed defensive-minded team.

The transition seemed natural, a two-way big bodied forward joining a league known for its ruggedness. O'Brien is a lanky, yet surprisingly strong, 6'2, 182 pound centre from Maplewood, MN, and is projected to become a second line power forward. In his first few games as a Thunderbird, he surely did not disappoint, potting 1 goal and assisting on 5 others in his first 5 games. He seemed to be made for the WHL, and destined for great things.

Unfortunately, this start did not continue, as he became a minus player, and was relegated to 3rd and 4th line duties. For the next 20 games, O'Brien amassed a paltry 1 goal and 4 assists. This streak also meant he got snubbed from the Team USA selection camp.

It could be a coincidence that his game appeared to turn around the first game after the the WJHC roster was announced, and he wasn't on it. Maybe he was angry that he got snubbed, maybe he was just looking for his niche on the team, but his game vastly improved. For the next 8 games, Jimmy O' had 4 goals and 4 assists, 1 GWG, a +7 rating, and only 2 minor penalties. The coach was looking for someone on his team to step up, with the absence of their captain, and defensive staple Thomas Hickey. So the coach rewarded O'Brien with more minutes, and more responsibility, and he has yet to look back.

In 14 games in January, the young rookie amassed 4 goals and 7 assists, with a plus 8 rating. So far in February, he has 4 goals and 2 assists, and a plus 4 rating in 6 games.

Jimmy O' is currently ranked 7th in WHL scoring amongst rookies, with 35 points in 53 games. He is also ranked 4th on his team, tied for 1st among centres. Not bad for a player who went on a 5 point, 20 game streak, and was relegated to the 3rd line.

I'm really excited about this kid, although he will probably spend another year in the WHL honing his skills. So far he's looking like a solid 29th overall pick.

As the season continues, and the playoffs approach, Richard and I will be sure to keep you guys informed and up to date about any and all new developments in the world of Jimmy O' and all the other Ottawa Senators' prospects. So bookmark this page, keep checking in, I'll see you next time.

Andrew