Former Flyers’ First-Rounder Jay O’Brien Signs with AHL’s Toronto Marlies

Philadelphia Flyers first-round bust Jay O’Brien has signed with the Toronto Marlies, the AHL club announced Friday.

O’Brien, 23, signed a one-year deal, the Marlies said. The Marlies are a Toronto Maple Leafs affiliate.

He was a Flyers’ 2018 first-round pick, the 19th overall player chosen. He was drafted by then-general manager Ron Hextall. The Flyers’ other first-round pick in 2018 was productive forward Joel Farabee.

In the spring, the Flyers decided not to sign O’Brien, making him a free agent. The Flyers received a 2024 second-round draft pick (51st overall) as compensation for not signing O’Brien.

O’Brien reportedly drew some attention from his hometown Boston Bruins before signing with the Marlies.

O’Brien, a forward, played three seasons at Boston University, after playing his freshman season at Providence. The Terriers advanced to the Frozen Four in 2023. O’Brien played 39 games and scored eight goals and 24 assists (32 points).

In 104 college games, O’Brien scored 28 goals and 47 assists (65 points).