Hobey Baker Finalists: NHL Prospects Clash

0:00It's April 2nd, from game day to every day. This is NHL News Today, powered by AI. The Hobie Baker Award just dropped its three finalists for the top NCAA men's hockey player, and it's stacked with NHL prospects. Max Plant for Minnesota Duluth, aired Pol Com from Denver, and TJ Hughes for Michigan are in the mix. The winner gets crowned April 10th during the Frozen 4 in Las Vegas, right before the National Title Game. A 20-year-old sophomore and Detroit Red Wing second-round pick from last year's draft is tearing it up with 25 goals and 52 points in 40 games. He's got points in 29 of those, capped by a five-game streak to close the season. First potential winner for his school since 2020, Pol Comb, a San Jose-Charge prospect, leads all college defensemen with 39 points and 185 shots in 41 games. The 22-year-old junior transferred to Denver and just helped them punch into the Frozen 4 semis with a goal and assist in their regional.

1:03Final win could be Denver's first since 2017. Hughes, Michigan's 24-year-old captain and Big Ten player of the year, sits second in NCAA scoring with 56 points in 39 games. He's only been shut out eight times, leading his squad for two straight seasons. Michigan snagged the award two years back with another forward. All eyes on these beasts as the Frozen 4 kicks off Thursday night semis pit, Denver against Michigan and Wisconsin versus North Dakota. Whoever takes it home, sets the stage for pro dreams, unfolding fast.