On Sunday night, as they have with every other position for the last few weeks, the NHL revealed its list for the top-20 active centers.
Although Frank Nazar, Anton Frondell, and others are projected to be great players one day, the only real candidate for this list is Connor Bedard.
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Bedard’s slow sophomore season caused him to miss the list ahead of 2025-26, but he came out and had a 30-goal season and was a point-per-game player. This success earned him a spot, coming in at #16.
This is right below New Jersey Devils captain Nico Hischier and right ahead of Tampa Bay Lightning star Brayden Point. There is another level for Bedard to reach, but this is some elite company.
Other young players comparable to Bedard who made the list are Leo Carlsson (#14) and Macklin Celebrini (#3). The top spot was obviously given to Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid, followed by Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche.
Connor Bedard’s idol, Sidney Crosby, and Pittsburgh Penguins captain, is still high on the list at 39 years old, coming in at #7.
Connor Bedard is going to miss the first month of the season unless he beats the early projected timeline. Even with that, he has a chance to score 40 goals and 100 points if everything else goes right for him.
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With upgrades around him, including Patrick Kane and Roman Kantserov to potentially play on his wing, he should have the help he needs to take another step.
Although every hockey observer knows the level that Connor Bedard is aiming to reach, which would firmly get him in the top ten of this list, it is good for him to be recognized amongst the greatest players in the game.
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