With the men's college hockey season underway, it's a perfect time to try to predict who the year's top performers could be. Here are the players who may have the best shot at winning the Hobey Baker Award in 2023.
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Matthew Knies, Minnesota | Forward | Sophomore
Minnesota collectively breathed a sigh of relief after Knies determined he would return for his sophomore season instead of signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Knies is a powerful forward that commands attention when he's on the ice, putting up 33 points (15g, 18a) in 33 games as a freshman last season while also suiting up with the United States at the Olympics in Beijing. The Phoenix, Arizona, native got better as the season went on last year, finishing with three goals and an assist in three NCAA tournament games. He should make another leap in his development this season.
A unanimous selection to the preseason All-Big Ten First Team, Knies is already off to a strong start with two goals and an assist through the first two games of the year.