Max Plante of Minnesota Duluth has been awarded the 2026 Hobey Baker Award as the top men鈥檚 college hockey player. At just 20 years old, the left winger and Detroit Red Wings prospect recorded an impressive 52 points (25 goals, 27 assists) in 40 games. Plante's performance led the Bulldogs to the Regional Final of the NCAA D1 men鈥檚 hockey tournament. Other finalists included T.J. Hughes from Michigan and Eric Pohlkamp from Denver, who also had standout seasons. This award recognizes Plante alongside a prestigious list of hockey greats.

By the Numbers
  • 52 points scored by Max Plante (25 goals, 27 assists) in 40 games.
  • T.J. Hughes had 56 points (21 goals, 35 assists) in 39 games, finishing second in D1 scoring.
  • 39 points (18 goals, 21 assists) for Eric Pohlkamp in 41 games.
Yes, But

Gavin McKenna, who led the Big Ten in scoring with 38 points, was notably excluded from the finalist list, raising questions about the selection criteria for the award.

State of Play
  • Plante is expected to enter the NHL soon after being drafted 47th overall by the Red Wings in 2024.
  • Hughes and Pohlkamp are set to play against each other in the upcoming Frozen Four semifinal, showcasing their talents further.
What's Next

Max Plante's victory paves the way for him to potentially make an impact in the NHL, while the ongoing Frozen Four will offer Hughes and Pohlkamp a chance to shine on a bigger stage as they compete for a championship.

Bottom Line

Max Plante's Hobey Baker Award win marks a significant milestone in his burgeoning career, highlighting his impressive skill set and hinting at a promising future in professional hockey.