CBSSports.com Hobey Baker Award Watch: Week 15

Every week this season, Eye on Hockey will be tracking the best players in college hockey as they compete for the ultimate individual prize, the Hobey Baker Memorial Award.

The Hobey Baker Watch is a collaboration between Eye on Hockey blogger Chris Peters and CBS Sports Network Hockey Analyst Dave Starman.

Last week's Hobey Watch had more of an Eastern vibe. This week it's flipped at the top with the Western region taking a step forward.

If you've been following college hockey at all, you know this season has been anything but predictable and it seems the Hobey Baker race is going that same direction.

A new leader has emerged as Ryan Walters of Nebraska-Omaha claims the top spot. He's been one of the nation's leading scorers for much of the year, but once again has established himself at the very top. No one is within four points of the UNO junior.

Meanwhile, North Dakota's Corban Knight climbed back up to No. 2. He's been on fire all season, though his point-streak was snapped at 19 games last weekend. Johnny Gaudreau, like his Boston College team, is sliding a bit and he sits at No. 3 this week. Meanwhile, Eric Hartzell, the dazzling goaltender for Quinnipiac, remains in the top four for a second straight week.

Among the guys to watch closely outside the top four, St. Cloud's Drew LeBlanc is up there. The Huskies have had a roller coaster of a year, but they're leading the WCHA in the standings and LeBlanc has been the guy pacing the charge.

1. Ryan Walters -- Nebraska-Omaha

Position: Forward Class: Junior Comment: Walters has really been a surprise this year. In two previous seasons combined, he had 47 points. He's now at a nation-leading 39. Walters is scoring goals and from November on, he's been ultra-consistent. He has 12 multipoint games and has the Mavericks in the hunt for a WCHA regular-season title. There have been many twists and turns throughout this season for the Mavericks, but Walters has been a constant presence offensively.

2. Corban Knight -- North Dakota

Position: Forward Class: Senior Comment: It's been a somewhat middling year for North Dakota, currently at 13-8-5 in the standings. Knight, however has been brilliant. He had that 19-game point streak snapped, but hey, he had a 19-game point streak. He does a lot of everything right as both a dynamic playmaker and gifted goal-scorer. Knight and four teammates were recently charged for allegedly supplying minors with alcohol in September. The team disciplined the players at the time of the incident, but this could come into play come voting time. 3. Johnny Gaudreau -- Boston College Position: Forward Class: Sophomore Comment: Despite a weekend without points as BC got swept by Maine, Gaudreau remains the national leader in points-per game with a 1.55 average. Boston College is in a bit of midseason swoon as some injuries and lack of depth on the blue line are beginning to catch up to the defending champs. Gaudreau should still figure prominently in the race. The Beanpot begins Monday in Boston and that has been the site where a few past Hobey winners have solidified their candidacy. 4. Eric Hartzell -- Quinnipiac Position: Goalie Class: Senior Comment: As top teams continue to falter, Quinnipiac has ascended to the top. If the season ended today, the Bobcats would be the NCAA tournament's No. 1 seed. While QU has its share of doubters, Hartzell could be the guy to quiet them. A good goaltender goes a long way in making a postseason run and Quinnipiac has one of the best this season in Hartzell. He's having a special year with a 1.46 goals-against average and .934 save percentage. Others to Watch: Drew LeBlanc -- F -- Sr. -- St. Cloud State Carsen Chubak -- G -- Jr. -- Niagara Danny Kristo -- F -- Sr. -- North Dakota Greg Carey -- F -- Jr. -- St. Lawrence Erik Huala -- F – Jr. -- Minnesota For more hockey news, rumors and analysis, follow @EyeOnHockey and @chrismpeters on Twitter and like us on Facebook.