Michigan State University junior forward and Tampa Bay Lightning draft pick, Isaac Howard, has been named a top-three finalist for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award, given annually to the most outstanding player in college hockey. Howard is joined by two other elite players: University of Denver sophomore defenseman Zeev Buium and Boston College sophomore forward Ryan Leonard.
And your 2025 Hat Trick Finalists are…. #hobeybaker @du_hockey @msu_hockey @bc_mhockey @thenchc @b1ghockey @hockey_east @drinkbodyarmor @teamech pic.twitter.com/j811C8BkWc
— Hobey Baker Award (@HobeyBakerAward) April 3, 2025
Howard’s future at Michigan State is in the air, as the forward seeks a contract with the Lightning. Due to cap space, the team could wait until they start their playoff run to sign the young star, as the cap space is unlimited during the NHL playoffs. The Lightning’s first-round selection in 2022 had a standout junior season for the Spartans. He was named First Team All-Big Ten, Big Ten Player of the Year, and Big Ten Scoring Champion. The junior recorded 26 goals and 26 assists in his second season at MSU.
Before the Big Ten Conference Tournament, he scored 24 goals and 23 assists for 47 points in 35 games for the Spartans. He headed into the NCAA tournament with 51 points in 36 games, but the Spartans fell in the first round to Cornell.
The Hobey Baker Memorial Award winner will be announced on Friday, April 11, at 6 p.m. ET. The ceremony will be streamed live on the NHL Network.
