O'Brien, 22, appeared in one game with the Capitals during the 2016-17 season and has recorded two points (1g, 1a) in 14 career NHL games with Washington. The 6'1", 215-pound left wing made his NHL debut on Oct. 9, 2014 against Montreal and earned his first NHL point with an assist on Oct. 14, 2014 against San Jose. O'Brien scored his first NHL goal on Oct. 26, 2014 at Vancouver.
The Halifax, Nova Scotia, native recorded 30 points (10g, 20a) in 64 games with the Hershey Bears (AHL) during the 2016-17 season and set career highs in points, goals, assists and games played. O'Brien ranked third on the team in penalty minutes (117) last season, seventh in assists and ninth in points. In addition, he was named the team's winner of the IOA/American Specialty AHL Man of the Year award for his outstanding contributions to the Hershey community during the 2016-17 season. O'Brien has earned 54 points (21g, 33a) in 168 career AHL games with Hershey.
