Lightning prospect Isaac Howard wins 2025 Hobey Baker Award

One of the top prospects in college hockey has been recognized as one of the top players in the country.

On Friday, Michigan State forward Isaac Howard was named the 2025 recipient of the Hobey Baker Memorial Award as the best player in the NCAA.

“I’m super honored and excited to be up here,” Howard said at the award ceremony on Friday in St. Louis. “I know this award means more than just hockey – it’s characteristics off the ice, and every day I’ll try to do my best to live up to that.”

Howard is the third Spartan to take home the award, and first since former NHL goaltender Ryan Miller won the Hobey in 2001.

The Tampa Bay Lightning prospect has been a huge part in the Spartans’ return to prominence. After spending one season at Duluth, Howard moved to East Lansing and found instant success with MSU. After a solid sophomore campaign, which saw the Spartans win both the Big Ten Regular Season and Conference Championships, Howard was a dominant force all season long.

In 37 games, the Hudson, Wisconsin native scored 26 goals and 52 points, finishing second among Big Ten skaters in scoring behind Penn State forward Aiden Fink. Howard ended up fifth in the nation in scoring, trailing Denver’s Jack Devine, who posted 52 points.

Along with his individual success, Howard’s play helped power MSU to another sweep of the Big Ten championships. Yet, the Spartans came up short in the national tournament, losing to ECAC Champion Cornell in the opening round last month.

Howard’s career has certainly taken off under head coach Adam Nightingale. The 21-year-old thanked the coaching staff and his teammates for his success.

“[Nightingale], you’ve been a great role model for me, my favorite coach, so I can’t thank him [enough], how important you’ve been to me. Also, to the boys watching, you guys make it awesome. Awesome place to play. Absolutely love being a Michigan State Spartan for life.”

Washington Capitals forward Ryan Leonard (Boston College) and Minnesota Wild prospect Zeev Buium (Denver) were the other Hat Trick Finalists for the honor. Howard was sure to give both of the young stars a shout out during his acceptance speech.

“Those guys had unreal years. Any of us could have won.”

The announcement stunned some people in the crowd. Even Howard seemed a little surprised to hear his name called.

Howard was also named an AHCA West First-Team All-American, along with teammate and Detroit Red Wings goaltending prospect, Trey Augustine. Both will be returning to MSU next season, with Howard and the Lightning reportedly failing to come to terms on his entry-level contract.