Rarely is my interest piqued by an Elite League club signing an import.
Cardiff being able to sign Zach O’Brien and prise him away from North America is somewhat surprising.
Although the Newfoundland Growlers have ceased to exist, there would have been plenty of suitors in the ECHL, and possibly AHL teams, willing to make him a significant offer.
Having previously enjoyed success in Europe, many teams, albeit at the second tier level, would have pinpointed the 31yo as a player to lead their team offensively.
The Devils have certainly pulled off a coup in signing a forward one season removed from being a viable bottom-six option/callup in the American Hockey League.
O’Brien spent most of his first three seasons in the AHL after turning professional. He played his part in winning a championship with Manchester Monarchs in 2015 before moving on to the Chicago Wolves.
After bouncing around for a couple of seasons, including a first stint in Europe with DEL2 outfit Ravensburg Towerstars, O’Brien found solid footing in Newfoundland.
In five (sometimes shortened) seasons with the Growlers, O’Brien became a much-loved All-Star and top-draw producer in the ECHL. Through 260 games, the St. John’s native recorded 339 points including 125 goals.
It’s far too simplistic to label O’Brien a playmaker when, in truth, he owns a tremendous shot including a deceptive one-timer. He’s a genuine sniper.
A leader on and off the ice, O’Brien rose to the occasion when games mattered a little more in Newfoundland. Sixty points (24G/36A) in 47 games propelled Newfoundland to a pair of Conference finals, but more importantly, a 2019 championship win.
For much of his time in Newfoundland, O’Brien was on an AHL contract with the Toronto Marlies. His opportunities were limited by the incumbent Head Coach at that time, but his effort and commitment could never be faulted. When presented with a decent amount of ice time alongside complimentary players, the Canadian forward was able to showcase his offensive abilities. That was born out in his final seven-game stint with the Marlies in which he registered a pair of goals and four assists.
The switch to the EIHL should not present any problems for O’Brien, who has three stints already playing in Europe, twice in Germany and most recently in Slovakia. Adapting to new teams, lines mates and surroundings has not been an issue for O’Brien, continually producing offensively in each new scenario.
The biggest knock on O’Brien is his skating. It is the area of his game that has held him back from taking the next step.
What allows him to have success is his high hockey IQ, an ability to find space in the tightest games and pick the highest percentage play at any one time.
The Canadian can be utilised at centre or RW, giving Cardiff options in building a line-up. O’Brien will be a significant part of the Devils’ power play, an area of the game in which he excels. He’s also an option on the penalty kill depending on the roster Cardiff builds this summer and player roles heading into the season.
I expect that O’Brien will be a top-ten producer in the EIHL and a challenger for the scoring title if the season goes well.
Having been a respected leader in his native Newfoundland, I can foresee Pete Russell handing O’Brien a letter on his jersey for the 2024-25 campaign.
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