Here are three guys who were outside the Top Ten Hobey Baker finalists but should have been included.
The NCAA announced their ten finalists for the Hobey Baker Award the other day and left off three key guys who likely should have been included.
Rutger McGroarty, So., F Michigan
Rutger McGroarty, like a lot of guys on Michigan, is having a tremendous season. Just a couple of weeks ago we all were questioning if Michigan would even make the NCAA Tournament and if they were close to missing.
Now that's not a question. They have made it to the Big Ten Championship to play their rival, Michigan State, tomorrow. McGroarty has been a big reason why the Wolverines are back to playing good hockey again.
The Winnipeg Jets prospect is third in the NCAA in points per game with 1.59. He has 16 goals and 59 points in just 32 games. McGroarty picked up an assist on Gavin Brindley's game-winning goal last weekend against the Minnesota Gophers to propel them back to the Big Ten Championship game for the third straight year.
McGroarty has been very good this year and definitely deserved to be in the Hobey Baker finalists this year.
Zeev Buium, Fr., D, Denver
What Zeev Buium did as a freshman defenseman was incredible. Zeev Buium is a stud. He has burst on the scene in his first season of College Hockey and has been terrific. In 36 games for Denver, Buium has nine goals and 44 points. His 44 points are tied with Lane Hutson for the most points in the NCAA amongst all defensemen.
The only difference is Hutson is a finalist and Buium is not.
Buium's hockey IQ is what stands out quickly. His ability to scan plays and read everything so well as a freshman is impressive and it's why he's been able to put up the points he has put up this season.
With many young offensive defensemen sometimes their defensive skills lack but that is fine if they are producing at a high rate. This isn't the case with Buium. He is a great skater and knows how to push plays outside and hold up his own in the defensive zone.
A true threat in all zones, Buium is a projected top-20 pick in the upcoming 2024 NHL Draft and should have been a Hobey Baker finalist.
Gavin Brindley, So., F Michigan
Gavin Brindley is one of the fastest players in all of College Hockey. He uses his speed to get past opponents and create chances for his linemates. His impressive sophomore season helped him win the Big Ten Player of the Year award.
The Columbus Blue Jackets prospect is tied for sixth in the NCAA in points with 51 and is fifth in goals with 24. He is a threat whenever he has the puck and is extremely skilled in all three zones.
He can beat you in transition and break up an offensive chance the other way with his speed. The Blue Jackets were smart to draft Brindley in the second round of the 2023 NHL Draft as his impressive season continues to build.
But only one player from the Big Ten made the Top Ten Hobey Baker Finalists and it was Wisconsin's goaltender Kyle McClellan.
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