For the first time in their franchise history, the Tampa Bay Lightning have the top collegiate player in their system. On Friday, Isaac Howard was awarded the Hobey Baker trophy, given annually to the collegiate player that “demonstrates exceptional hockey skills, leadership, character, sportsmanship, and scholastic achievement”. Ryan Leonard (Boston College, Washington Capitals) and Zeev Buium (University of Denver, Minnesota Wild) were the other two finalists.
The award caps off a tremendous season for the Lightning’s 2022 first-round pick. In his second season at Michigan State (third collegiate season overall) he exploded for 26 goals while adding another 26 assists.