Top NHL draft pick Connor Bedard is an 'incredible' talent with a bright future, Stanley Cup champ says

Former New York Islanders captain and Stanley Cup champion Mark Streit spoke to Fox News Digital about the potential of 2023 top overall draft pick Connor Bedard.

Connor Bedard, the first overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, made his debut for the Chicago Blackhawks last week. As he skated toward center ice for his first puck drop in the NHL, he stood opposite one of the sport’s greatest all-time players, Sidney Crosby. 

"Hey Sid, welcome back for another season," veteran NHL official Kelly Sutherland said before turning to Bedard. 

Connor Bedard (98) of the Chicago Blackhawks plays in his first NHL game against Sidney Crosby (87) of the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena Oct. 10, 2023, in Pittsburgh.  (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

"Connor, welcome to the NHL, man." 

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At just 18 years old, Bedard is already being hailed as a generational talent and the next big thing. In just four games with the Blackhawks, he’s already had two assists and one goal and averaged 21:13 in ice time per game. 

Former NHL veteran defenseman Mark Streit, who played alongside Crosby during the 2016-2017 season when the Pittsburgh Penguins won their fifth Stanley Cup, spoke with Fox News Digital about Bedard’s potential. 

Mark Streit of the Pittsburgh Penguins celebrates with the Stanley Cup after they defeated the Nashville Predators 2-0 to win the 2017 title at the Bridgestone Arena June 11, 2017, in Nashville.   (Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

"I don't know him as a guy, but just seeing what his skill set is, how good he is and how he performed in the first two games, it's incredible," Streit said. "And the good thing there is,