Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard amongst 5 popular names snubbed from NHL's top 20 center ranking list

The Chicago Blackhawks' rising star Connor Bedard surprisingly found himself left out when NHL Network unveiled its list of the top 20 centers heading into the 2025-26 season.

His absence wasn't the only notable on the list.

With that in mind, let's take a closer look at five well-known centers who were overlooked.

#1 - Elias Pettersson

Perhaps the biggest surprise of all is the exclusion of Pettersson. Just two seasons ago, he put up 102 points, followed by 88 the year after. He struggled last year, scoring only 15 goals and 30 assists for 45 points in 64 games-but his track record suggests it's only a temporary dip.

#2 - J.T. Miller

Coming off a year with 22 goals and 48 assists for 70 points in 72 games, plus representing Team USA at the Olympics, his omission stands out. Few players offer the all-around impact that Miller brings to the ice.

#3 - Dylan Strome

After years of bouncing between teams, Strome has carved out his spot as Washington's top-line center alongside Alex Ovechkin. He provided the Capitals with steady production in 2024-25, recording 29 goals and 53 assists for 82 points.

#4 - Mathew Barzal

When healthy, Barzal is one of the most dynamic skaters in the league, capable of generating speed and creativity through the middle.

Last year, though, injuries limited him to just 30 games, during which he still managed 32 points. While that shortened season may explain the omission, his skill set suggests he belongs somewhere in the back half of the rankings.

#5 - Connor Bedard

As the 2023 first overall selection, Bedard entered the league with heavy expectations. Despite being widely criticized last season, he has scored 128 points in his first 150 NHL games, showing constant production on a struggling team.

If anything, being left out should only add fuel to the fire for these players to prove doubters wrong entering the next season.