Hobey Baker Watch: 2024-25 season preview

Another trip around the sun brings us to a new college hockey season, with new faces ready to hit the ice. The 2024-25 season is just days away, so who should we look out for this year?

James Hagens (F), Boston College Eagles

A name that has been in the hockey world for some time now, freshman James Hagens is an exceptional talent entering the college hockey hemisphere. Hagens is a dynamic offensive threat with great hands, IQ and skating, all at 17 years old.

He took over the United States National Team Development Program, recording 102 points in 58 games last season. In the U18-World Junior Championships, he had a record-breaking 22 points in just seven games, the most in a single tournament.

Hagens is the projected No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NHL draft. The sky is the limit for him and an explosive Boston College offense.

Zeev Buium (D), Denver Pioneers

Arguably the best blueliner in college hockey coming into this season is Zeev Buium. The kid has all the tools to continue to grow his game while dominating on the ice.

Buium is a solid player in all three zones, moving the puck with ease while mesmerizing many with his skating. If you look up offensive IQ in the dictionary, Buium’s picture is the first thing you’ll see. Last season with the Pioneers he posted 50 points in 42 games, becoming the first defenseman since 2002-03 to reach the half-century mark.

Buium was a keystone player during the Pioneers’ run to their second national championship in three years. The Minnesota Wild prospect puts Denver right back in the title conversation this season.

Cole Eiserman (F), Boston University Terriers

A huge offensive threat with the puck, Cole Eiserman can rip biscuits through twine with his eyes closed and his hands tied behind his back. He holds the NTDP record for most goals in program history with 127 during his two seasons with the program.

Tallying 83 goals between the NTDP and USHL last season, he looks to continue his goal-scoring in the NCAA.

As one of the youngest players in college hockey, he joins a strong Terriers team who have championship aspirations on their mind. Losing Macklin Celebrini is a big loss for the program, but getting reinforcements like Eiserman helps the team keep rolling.

Trey Augustine (G), Michigan State Spartans

Between the pipes, Trey Augustine is ready to form another brick wall. Augustine led the nation in percentage when facing high danger chances last year. The backbone of the 2024 United States World Juniors gold medal team, Augustine comes up huge when needed.

He finished with a 23-9-2 record his freshman season, and put up a .915 save percentage in the paint.

He helped the Spartans win their first Big Ten title in program history. There’s a reason why scouts love what he brings to the table. That clutchness and trust the team has in him allows Augustine to stand out among the best goaltenders in the league.

Ryan Leonard (F), Boston College Eagles

Another Eagle finds a way onto this watchlist as Ryan Leonard looks to build off a very strong freshman campaign. Leonard brings a strong physical presence and a lot of offensive upside.

He finished with 60 points in 2023-24, putting himself in the upper ranks among players in the category.

Leonard shouldn’t miss a beat even after losing his linemate, Will Smith, to the NHL. Getting to play with Hagens and Gabe Perreault should keep his game at a high level.

Anthony Desher is a fourth-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email desher1119@gmail.com.