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 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.

The New York Islanders won the NHL draft lottery on Monday and vaulted nine teams, including the last-place San Jose Sharks, in winning the opportunity to have the No. 1 pick.