The Washington Capitals’ two top college prospects are among the 97 initial nominees for the 2025 Hobey Baker Award.
Ryan Leonard of the Boston College Eagles and Cole Hutson of the Boston University Terriers were named to the list by the Hobey Baker Memorial Award Foundation on Wednesday morning. The honor is presented annually to the top player in Division I men’s ice hockey.
Leonard is in the sophomore season of his college hockey career at BC after being drafted eighth overall by the Capitals in the 2023 NHL Draft. The 20-year-old winger has 22 points (15g, 7a) in 21 games this season. His 15 goals are tied for third in the nation, and his six-game winning goals are tied for first.
Boston College also saw goaltender Jacob Fowler and Leonard’s long-time linemate Gabe Perreault nominated this year. Perreault leads the Eagles in scoring with 28 points (8g, 20a).
Hutson is playing his first year of college hockey after being selected in the 2024 draft’s second round, 43rd overall, by the Capitals. The 18-year-old blueliner has 20 points (5g, 15a) in 20 games for the Terriers this season. His 20 points rank sixth among all freshmen, and he is the only defenseman within the top 17 freshman point scorers.
Quinn Hutson, Cole’s older brother, and forward Ryan Greene round out the nominees from BU.
The first stage of nominees comes via the head coaches of NCAA DI ice hockey schools nominating the top three players in their respective leagues and the top three players in the nation. Fans vote on the large group, trimming the list down to a Top 10 in March.
The Hobey Baker Memorial Award Selection Committee then chooses three finalists. The winner will be announced during the Frozen Four in April.
