The Chicago Blackhawks have five prospects nominated for the Hobey Baker Award

Despite GM Kyle Davidson coming under fire recently for the underwhelming return in the Taylor Hall trade and inconsistent messaging, he does deserve some credit for his draft record. 

The Chicago Blackhawks have five prospects who are nominated for the most prestigious honor in college hockey, the Hobey Baker Award.

Now, there is still a long way to go before we know if they will be legit NHLers, but these players are on the right track.

Dominic James

James, the University of Minnesota Duluth’s captain, was a sixth-round selection in 2022. The 22-year-old has had a strong season after missing all of the last campaign with an injury. He leads all UMD skaters in goals and points with 10 goals and 21 points in 23 games played.

Aidan Thompson

Another member of the 2022 draft class, Thompson, 22, has been an elite point producer for the University of Denver for the past three seasons. Wearing the “A” this year, Thompson has amassed 13 goals and 30 points in 24 games and has his eyes set on a second national title.

Sam Rinzel

Rinzel, 20, was viewed as a reach when the Hawks selected him with the 25th overall pick in 2022. Now, he looks like he could be a steal. The University of Minnesota blueliner is second in NCAA scoring for his position with nine goals and 25 points in 28 games. Rinzel is expected to sign with the Hawks when his season ends and play NHL games.

Ryan Greene 

A 2022 second-rounder, Greene is captaining the Boston University Terriers as a junior. The 21-year-old is producing at just over a point-per-game clip with 11 goals and 24 points in 23 games played. The Newfoundland native is a candidate to sign in Chicago once his season ends.

Sacha Boisvert

Despite being an 18-year-old true freshman, Boisvert has impressed at the University of North Dakota. The 2024 first-rounder has tallied nine goals and 18 points in 23 games and could be NHL-ready following next season.