DobberHockey’s Peter Harling posted a list of potential Hobey Baker Award candidates prior to the start of the 2022-2023 NCAA season, and he included Red Wings prospect and University of North Dakota freshman Dylan James on his list:
Dylan James – Forward, University of North Dakota (Detroit Red Wings)
Dylan James had himself an exceptional rookie season with the Sioux City Musketeers and was an integral part of their Clark Cup winning team after he compiled 61 points in 62 regular season games. The USHL rookie of the year was an effective player at both ends of the ice, using his size well along the boards in puck battles and to force his way past the opposition with the puck. He has soft hands and a large frame that enable him to out-muscle the opposition and afford him some extra time on the puck to make a play. He may not be as offensively inclined as some of the other names on this list but his defensive contributions as a forward should not be discounted and his effort and ability to break up passes and close down players on the point go a long way to helping his team out and making him an asset to his team. He can produce offense as well as work hard to shut down the opposition on defense and that versatility could earn him a nod on the shortlist at the end of the season.
