Carson Buydens is a finalist for the Canadian Junior Hockey League's Rookie of the Year award. 

The Gladstone, Manitoba product was the recipient of the MJHL's Rookie of the Year after putting up nearly a point per game in the regular season. The Virden Oil Capital is one of the five nominees for the award across the nine junior hockey leagues that make up the CJHL. 

Buydens ended his season third on his team in both goals (27) and points (53), while also leading all MJHL rookies in both categories. The former Central Plains Capital was tied for the league lead in game-winning goals this season, with seven.

The rookie forward is also one of just two MJHL players to be named to the NHL Central Scouting's final ranking list. Buydens is the 167th rated player for the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, according to the NHL's scouting department. This gives the local a sixth-round grade. Players are ranked based on how well they are assumed to translate to the NHL level. 

The forward committed earlier this season to Princeton University at the Division 1 level in the NCAA. While he is unaware if he will be attending the school next season, he is grateful that the opportunity is there for him.

Buydens and the Oil Capitals were eliminated in the second round of the postseason by the Steinbach Pistons. Through ten playoff games, the local put up two goals and three assists.