Unveiling the Surprises!

As TSN gears up to release its highly anticipated Top 50 list of NHL players, shockwaves are already being felt across the league—some major stars have hit the cutting room floor this year.

Connor Bedard: The Young Phenom Stumbles

Chicago Blackhawks' budding sensation, Connor Bedard, has been left off the prestigious list despite being crowned Calder Trophy winner. After an impressive rookie season where he scored 22 goals and amassed 61 points in 68 games, expectations soared. However, his follow-up performance, with 23 goals and 67 points in 82 games, wasn't enough for a spot on the list, as he debuted last year in 34th place.

Lane Hutson: An Unbelievable Rookie Journey

Montreal Canadiens' Lane Hutson—also a Calder Trophy winner—faces a similar fate. After shattering records with six goals and 66 points, including a historic 60 assists that made him the most productive rookie defenseman in franchise history, many fans are baffled by his absence from the rankings. To add insult to injury, Hutson was not called up for Team USA’s orientation camp for the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Elias Pettersson: A Down Year for the Star Center

Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson has also fallen from grace this past season, marking the worst of his career. With just 15 goals and 45 points over 64 games, he struggled under the weight of a hefty $92.8 million contract. Despite a rocky relationship with teammate J.T. Miller ending with a trade in January, his performance did not improve, and he was not included in the initial roster for Team Sweden heading to the Olympics.

The Canucks' Continued Struggles

It's been rough sailing for the Canucks since Pettersson entered the NHL in 2018-19, with them making the playoffs only twice, most recently in 2024-25. Fans are left wondering if the young star will rebound from these setbacks.

What's Next for These Stars?

While the absence of these top talents from TSN's Top 50 list is surprising, their journeys are far from over. Fans and analysts alike will keenly watch to see how Bedard, Hutson, and Pettersson respond in the upcoming season. Will they bounce back and reclaim their status, or will they continue to be overlooked?