Cutter Gauthier, Jackson Blake, Macklin Celebrini named Hobey Baker hat-trick finalists

The final nominees for the best player in men’s college hockey have been revealed.

On Thursday, the Hobey Baker Memorial Award committee announced that Boston University’s Macklin Celebrini, Boston College’s Cutter Gauthier, and North Dakota’s Jackson Blake are the Hat Trick Finalists for the historic individual accolade.

All three helped their teams to have great seasons, with each playing in the NCAA Men’s Hockey Tournament.

Let’s take a look at the three standouts:

Macklin Celebrini

No player has taken over the college hockey world this season like Macklin Celebrini. The Terrier freshman can make history, as no player under 18 has won the Hobey Baker.

The Vancouver native has been part of a strong BU squad that is getting ready for the Frozen Four. Flanked by Montreal Canadiens prospect Lane Hutson, Celebrini has been hanging around the top of the NCAA ranks in scoring all season. The consensus no. 1 pick in this year’s NHL Draft is tied for second in scoring with 64 points, five behind Boston College’s Will Smith. Celebrini was named the Hockey East Rookie and Player of the Year.

There is a lot to like about Celebrini’s game. From his vision to his creativity, despite his age, he looks like someone who is ready to advance to the next level.

Celebrini would be the fourth BU star to win the award. Former NHLers Chris Drury (1998) and Matt Gilroy (2009), as well as Vegas Golden Knights forward Jack Eichel (2015), have also taken home the Hobey Baker. Eichel was also a freshman when he won the award.

Cutter Gauthier

Gauthier has been a force on a really dominant Boston College team loaded with young prospects. Along with Smith, Washington Capitals draft pick Ryan Leonard, and New York Rangers’ prospect Gabe Perreault, the Eagles waltzed their way to the Hockey East Championship and advanced to the Frozen Four for the first time in eight years.

While Smith leads the country in scoring, Gauthier’s goal-scoring ability has been second to none. The Anaheim Ducks prospect has 37 goals this season, with Celebrini sitting five goals behind the Scottsdale, Arizona native for second in the nation.

While Gauthier is focused on helping his school win a national championship, his performance this season proves he is ready to play in the NHL sooner rather than later.

Gauthier looks to be the fourth Eagle to win the Hobey Baker Award. David Emma (1991), Mike Mottau (2000) and Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau (2014) have previously earned the honor.

Jackson Blake

While Blake might not have the same clout as the other two finalists, that does not mean he is not deserving of the accolade.

The Carolina Hurricanes draft pick played like a man on a mission in year two with the Fighting Hawks, helping North Dakota finish with the best record in the NCHC. Blake was named the conference’s forward and player of the year. However, his team bowed out in the regional semifinals, losing to Michigan last weekend.

Blake has scored 60 points in 40 games this year, right behind Celebrini and Gauthier in NCAA scoring. He might not be the biggest guy on the ice, but the quickness and solid hands give the Fargo, North Dakota native an elevated skillset.

Only two North Dakota players have previously won the Hobey Baker, as Tony Hrkac (1987) and Ryan Duncan (2007) were awarded the trophy.

The 2024 Hobey Baker Award winner will be announced on Friday, April 12, the day before the NCAA National Championship Game. The ceremony will be broadcast on NHL Network in the United States.