Vancouver Canucks: Adam Gaudette wins Hobey Baker Award

Vancouver Canucks forward Adam Gaudette was named winner of the 2018 Hobey Baker Award, given annually to the top collegiate player in the United States.

It’s been a wonderful 24 hours for the Vancouver Canucks in what has been an otherwise dreadful 2017-18 season. Firstly, Henrik Sedin sets up twin brother Daniel for the overtime winner on Thursday against the Arizona Coyotes – in their final game at Rogers Arena.

Then, more exciting news came along Friday, as Canucks prospect Adam Gaudette received the Hobey Baker Award – which is given to the top college hockey player in the United States.

Gaudette won the award after scoring 30 goals and 60 points in 38 games for Northeastern University in the Hockey East conference. Former Canucks Brendan Morrison and Ryan Miller are also past winners of the award, in 1997 and 2001, respectively.

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The 21-year-old Gaudette was drafted 149th overall by the Canucks in 2015,  but has obviously surpassed expectations this early. He’s appeared in four games for the Canucks thus far, but has yet to register his first career point.

With the Sedin twins retiring after this season, Gaudette will undoubtedly play a bigger role and see more ice time in 2018-19.

There’s no reason for Gaudette to play for the Utica Comets, as the kids as shown he’s more than ready for the NHL — even as he awaits his first NHL point.

Bo Horvat will most likely be the No. 1 centre next season, but the Canucks could slot in Gaudette on the second or third line.

Much of it depends on if prized prospect Elias Pettersson plays another year in Sweden, or if the Canucks decide to bring him up next season. But either way, Gaudette is more than ready for his first NHL season.

Gaudette brings incredible speed and puck skills to his game, something the rebuilding Canucks will really need next season. Fans are waiting to see if he can blossom into a top-two centre, or if Gaudette’s destined to be a third liner.

With head coach Travis Green showing tremendous patience with his young players, Gaudette knows he’s in the right place. It’s early, but Jake Virtanen already seems like an intriguing linemate for Gaudette in 2018-19.

Next: Canucks recap: Sedins have perfect sendoff

If all things go well, the Hobey Baker Award will only be the start of a promising career for Gaudette. The Canucks seem prepared to give him more responsibility next season, and one of the more intriguing prospects in the game should finally be a full-time NHLer in 2018-19.