Way Too Early 2027 Award Predictions

It's crazy to think, but we're already a month into the 2026-27 NCAA Hockey Season. While it's admittedly very early, based on what we've seen so far, here are my predictions for some of college hockey's major awards. Players will be listed alphabetically, not awards 

We all saw Adam Benák's rapid rise to prominence between USHL Youngstown and OHL Brantford but I didn't tab him to be leading all freshmen in production. However, that's exactly where Benák is. At the time of publication, Minnesota's 2025 4th round selection has 7 points (2 goals + 5 assists) in 4 games. Those numbers have Benák best among his classmates in assists and points. Benák's soft hands combined with breakneck speed make him a lethal threat and the front runner for this year's Tim Taylor Award.

I had Elliott Groenewold as this year's Derek Hines Award winner in my preseason piece, and that choice looks more promising as the season progresses.. Groenewold is averaging a point per game with five assists in five game so far. It is Groenewold's best statistical start across both his junior and collegiate careers combined. If you'll recall, Groenewold led college hockey with a +39 rating in 2025-26 and he could come close to meeting last year's figure if Quinnipiac continues heating up. 

Heil has been without question the best goaltender this year. The freshman was perfect in his first two starts for North Dakota, turning away all 29 shots on goal against Bentley. That makes 119 minutes without a goal for the Tampa Bay Lightning prospect. Heil should be getting significantly more reps following North Dakota's recent by sweep at the hands of Minnesota where he did not start either game.

I thought Wyttenbach could have thrived on the American Hockey League's Calgary Wranglers, but he returned to Quinnipiac and is rolling through opponents even more so than last year. On October 18, Jonny Lazarus reported that Wyttenbach's 11 points  set the record for the most by any Quinnipiac player in the first five games of the season. Between speed, hands and shot, the sky is the limit for Wyttenbach in the NCAA. He's the front runner by far for the 2027 Hobey Baker.