Gavin McKenna, James Hagens highlight 2026 Hobey Baker Award top 10 finalists
Several of the best players in college hockey are being recognized for their achievements this year.
On Wednesday, the top 10 finalists for the 2026 Hobey Baker Award were announced. Among the names are several players with NHL ties and a few others who might earn pro contracts in the near future.
The following players were named as finalists:
Trey Augustine, G, Michigan State (Detroit Red Wings)
James Hagens, F, Boston College (Boston Bruins)
T.J. Hughes, F, Michigan
Gavin McKenna, F, Penn State (2026 Draft Eligible)
Max Plante, F, Minnesota Duluth (Detroit Red Wings)
Eric Pohlkamp, D, Denver (San Jose Sharks)
Hayden Stavroff, F, Dartmouth
Charlie Stramel, F, Michigan State (Minnesota Wild)
Felix Trudeau, F, Sacred Heart
Ethan Wyttenbach, F, Quinnipiac (Calgary Flames)
At the top of the list is Gavin McKenna. There was a lot of hype when the projected No. 1 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft made the decision to leave the WHL for the NCAA ranks. Early returns were inauspicious, but he found his groove in the latter half of the season, and not only became one of the nation’s leading scorers, but also helped the Nittany Lions make it to the Big Ten Semifinals and another berth in the national tournament. In 34 games, the freshman has scored 15 goals and 51 points, sitting second in the country in scoring.
The man he is trailing is a fellow rookie, Ethan Wyttenbach. The Flames prospect helped make Quinnipiac one of the top teams in the country. Despite the team being upset by Clarkson in the ECAC Tournament, Wyttenbach has posted an impressive 24 goals and 58 points in 38 contests.
A couple of Spartans are also on the list. Trey Augustine and Charlie Stramel helped Michigan State finish first in the Big Ten and ensure the team a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Augustine was once again named the Big Ten Goaltender of the Year and is in the running for the Mike Richter Award as the nation’s top goaltender. The Wings prospect is tied for second in the country in wins (23) and is tied for fifth in save percentage (.929). He and Stramel were both named First Team All-Big Ten. Stramel scored 44 points in 35 games in his senior season.
Sticking with the Big Ten, Wolverines captain TJ Hughes was named the conference’s player of the year after finishing tied for second in the conference in scoring with teammate and Montreal Canadiens prospect Michael Hage, scoring 50 points in 36 games.
Another dominant underclassman in college hockey this year has been Max Plante. On a revamped Bulldogs team, the Red Wings prospect leads the NCHC with 23 goals and 48 points, good for fifth in the NCAA in scoring.
Plante and Eric Pohlkamp are finalists for NCHC Player of the Year. Pohlkamp is part of a retooled Pioneers team that is set to face UMD in the conference championship game this Saturday. He leads the nation in scoring by a defender with 37 points in 38 games.
James Hagens had a much better sophomore campaign after facing some ups and downs in his first year in Chestnut Hill. This year, the New York native scored 23 goals and 45 points in 33 games, leading Hockey East in scoring.
Hayden Stavroff joined Wyttenbach on the All-ECAC First Team this year. The talented sophomore has helped the Big Green advance to the conference tournament final four, leading the country with 28 goals in 32 appearances. The man behind him is Felix Trudeau. The senior has potted 25 goals this season, helping the Big Red finish second in Atlantic Hockey America and reach the AHA Championship Game this weekend.