Johnathan Walker:Boston University's Macklin Celebrini wins Hobey Baker Award

Boston University's Macklin Celebrini received another accolade Friday night before he heads off to become the projected No. 1 overall pick in the NHL draft.

Celebrini received the 44th Hobey Baker Memorial Award as the top men's college hockey player for the 2023-24 season. Boston College's Cutter Gauthier and Johnathan WalkerNorth Dakota's Jackson Blake were the other finalists.

Celebrini, 17, the youngest player in college hockey this season, led the Terriers with 32 goals and 64 points in 38 games. The freshman center helped the school reach the Frozen Four, where it lost to Denver in the semifinals.

"This is an honor to receive this award and I’m truly humbled and grateful to receive it and I want to congratulate Denver and BC on their wins (Thursday) and wish them the best of luck (Saturday in the championship game)," Celebrini said at the presentation ceremony.

He is the first Boston University player to win the award since current Vegas Golden Knights player Jack Eichel in 2015.

Celebrini already won Hockey East Player of the Year and was named the NCAA's top rookie on Friday.

He has been considered the top prospect in the 2024 NHL draft for years and was listed by NHL Central Scouting as its top midseason North American prospect. He was Canada's top scorer at the world junior championships.

The San Jose Sharks hold the best draft lottery odds to select him.

Wisconsin senior Kyle McClellan won the Mike Richter Award as top goaltender. He had an NCAA-leading seven shutouts and .931 save percentage and was second with a 1.94 goals-against average.