Bedard Lands on Top-20 Centers List While Recovering From Shoulder Surgery

Connor Bedard was named one of the top 20 centers in the NHL, a recognition that landed while he remains sidelined recovering from left shoulder surgery. The nod was tied to his first 30-goal season, part of a 48-point campaign over 38 games last year — a 1.26-point-per-game pace produced on a team that finished 29-53 and lost 8 of its final 10.

The selection is a straightforward reflection of what Bedard did on the ice despite the wreckage around him. Chicago's rebuild is built on the premise that he is a franchise-level center; an external ranking confirming that premise, even in the offseason, is useful context as the front office has already committed to him with a five-year, $75 million extension signed in July.

He won't be available at the start of the 2026-27 season, which means the recognition is largely forward-looking for Chicago's purposes. The Blackhawks will need Tyler Bertuzzi, Andre Burakovsky, and Teuvo Teravainen to carry the early load until Bedard returns.