Top 10 finalists announced for 2025 Hobey Baker Award

The Hobey Baker Award is enshrined in college hockey lore, as it’s annually given to the top player in the NCAA.

The award has never had back-to-back winners and that trend will continue this season. Macklin Celebrini won the award last year after scoring 32 goals and 64 points in 38 games with the Boston University Terriers, leading to his name being called with the first overall selection of the 2024 NHL Draft by the San Jose Sharks.

Not every Hobey Baker winner is a household name, but many still consider the list exclusive. Paul Kariya is the only Hobey Baker Award winner inducted into the NHL Hall of Fame. However, that list could expand if players like Jack Eichel, Cale Makar and Celebrini continue their current trajectories.

To mention the exclusive award without mentioning the late Johnny Gaudreau is difficult. Gaudreau won the award after the 2013-14 season after putting up an electric 36-goal, 80-point season in 40 games with the Boston College Eagles. It’ll be the first time the award has been bestowed since Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew Gaudreau, were tragically taken from the world on Aug. 29, 2024.

Here is a list of this year’s top 10 finalists with the NHL team that owns their contractual rights if applicable:

• D Zeev Buium, University of Denver (Minnesota Wild)
• F Jack DeVine, University of Denver (Florida Panthers)
• F Aiden Fink, Penn State University (Nashville Predators)
• F Mac Gadowsky, Army West Point (undrafted)
• F Isaac Howard, Michigan State University (Tampa Bay Lightning)
• F Ryan Leonard, Boston College (Washington Capitals)
• F Ayrton Martino, Clarkson University (Dallas Stars)
• F Liam McLinskey, College of the Holy Cross (undrafted)
• F Jimmy Snuggerud, University of Minnesota (St. Louis Blues)
• G Alex Tracy, Minnesota State University (undrafted)