The selection committee has decided on the three finalists for the Hobey Baker award, naming Adam Gaudette, Ryan Donato and Henrik Borgstrom the Hat Trick Finalists for the 2018 trophy. All three have already signed their entry-level contracts and will be playing in the NHL this season.
Donato has already debuted with the Boston Bruins, scoring three goals and five points in his first five games. That kind of production may be hard to maintain, but it’s clear that the young forward is ready to make an impact at the next level. Gaudette and Borgstrom are both expected to make their debuts soon for the Vancouver Canucks and Florida Panthers respectively, and are huge parts of their prospect systems.
Gaudette has already had to deal with comparisons to Ryan Kesler, while Borgstrom will attempt to help the Panthers sneak their way into the playoffs with just eight games remaining. Florida is three points behind the New Jersey Devils with a game in hand, and Borgstrom’s offensive ability could help them catch up.
All three would be great choices for the Hobey Baker, which is handed out to the best player in college hockey, but Gaudette does seem like the favorite at this point. His 60 points led the nation, and the fact that they came in just 38 games is all the more impressive. Whoever does take home the trophy will join Will Butcher, Jimmy Vesey, Jack Eichel and Johnny Gaudreau as recent winners.