When the Detroit Red Wings drafted Max Plante with their 47th overall pick in 2024, excitement was in the air. The flashy forward has been praised for his ability to pass the puck and create pressure on defense and has quickly become one of the most productive prospects for the Wings this season.
In fact, he's played so well for Minnesota-Duluth in the NCAA that he is a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award, given to the best collegiate hockey player. But how does Plante stack up against the other candidates for the award, and why should he be the winner?
Why Max Plante is a Hobey Baker finalist
Plante's game has taken a major step forward this season. In 40 games for Minnesota-Duluth, he notched 25 goals and 27 assists for 52 points, leading his team in goals and points. He also ranks in the top three in goals and points throughout the NCAA. This performance, understandably, earned Plante a lot of praise this season. He was named to the First Team All-Conference, earned the NCHC Forward of the Year award and the NCHC Player of the Year.
Plante's clutch play style has earned him six game-winning goals, leading the team. He's tied for third in game-winning goals in the NCAA, as well. Plante is the main reason why Minnesota-Duluth had as much success as they have this season. Without his clutch performances, they would not have made it to the regionals of the NCAA tournament.
Plante's competition for Hobey Baker
While Plante's season has been impressive, he will have some stiff competition for the award. Michigan's T.J. Hughes and Denver's Eric Pohlkamp are the two other finalists for the award and both have compelling cases to earn a win. Hughes has recorded 21 goals and 35 assists for 56 points with the University of Michigan and is a big reason why Michigan clinched a Frozen Four berth this season. Pohlkamp has 18 goals and 21 assists for 39 points. While this may seem like less than the other finalists, Pohlkamp is a defenseman and leads his team in goals and points.
Plante's case for the award, however, is much more compelling. While Pohlkamp's defensive production is admirable, Plante's offensive dominance is much more meaningful for the Bulldogs. Additionally, while Hughes has scored at a higher clip, he is in his fourth collegiate season. Plante, on the other hand, just wrapped up his sophomore year. The fact that his point total is close to Hughes with two fewer seasons is nothing short of impressive.
No other player in the NCAA has made as big of an impact this season as Plante. Even fewer have made an impact at Plante's age.