Buium, Leonard, Howard: 2025 Hobey Finalists Announced

The finalists for the 2025 Hobey Baker Award, given to the top NCAA men's hockey player, are Ryan Leonard, Zeev Buium, and Isaac Howard. Ryan Leonard led Boston College with 30 goals and 49 points, made his NHL debut with the Washington Capitals, and was named MVP at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship. Zeev Buium, a defenseman for the University of Denver, leads NCAA defensemen with 48 points and will compete in the Frozen Four against Western Michigan. Isaac Howard of Michigan State, despite leading the NCAA in points per game (1.41), saw his team exit early from the tournament. The winner will be announced during the Frozen Four on April 11 in St. Louis. Leonard, Buium, and Howard were all drafted in the first round of the NHL Draft by the Capitals, Wild, and Lightning, respectively.