Isaac Howard wins Hobey Baker as NCAA's top player

Michigan State forward Isaac Howard won the Hobey Baker Award on Friday as the NCAA's top player for the 2024-25 season.

Howard beat out Boston College forward Ryan Leonard and Denver defenseman Zeev Buium to earn college hockey's most prestigious individual honor.

All three players were selected to their respective first-team All-American squads Friday. Howard and Buium were named to the West, while Leonard was chosen for the East.

Howard, a Tampa Bay Lightning prospect, led the Spartans with 52 points this season and ranked fifth in the nation. He was named Big Ten Player of the Year for his efforts and might return to Michigan State for his senior campaign in 2025-26. He and the Bolts are reportedly struggling to sort out a contract.

Leonard led the NCAA with 30 goals in 37 games this season and added 19 assists en route to being named Hockey East's Player of the Year. He also captained the United States to a gold medal at the world juniors, where he notched 10 points in seven contests. The 20-year-old began his NHL career with the Washington Capitals earlier this month.

Buium helped Denver reach the Frozen Four semifinals and led all NCAA blue-liners with 48 points in 41 games. He was also a member of USA's championship world junior squad and is expected to join the Minnesota Wild on his entry-level contract in the coming days.

Notable NHLers to win the Hobey Baker in recent years include Macklin Celebrini (2024), Adam Fantilli (2023), Cole Caufield (2021), and Cale Makar (2019).