O'Brien would be a steal at this point in the draft, as Buffalo could try to replace center Dylan Cozens for the long haul with the sharpshooting O'Brien. He's coming off a 32-goal, 66-assist season in the OHL.

The NHL's annual draft lottery was held on Monday at NHL Network Studios in Secaucus, New Jersey. For the first time, the draw was held live in-studio, allowing viewers to see the results at the same time as the 16 lottery participants.

The Sharks, who have finished with the league’s worst record for two straight seasons, won the draft lottery last year. During a glitzy presentation at the NHL Draft in Las Vegas, Sharks legend Joe Thornton announced that the team was taking Boston University center Macklin Celebrini with the first overall selection.