Connor Bedard is excited to make his NHL debut against Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The NHL Media Tour is underway in Las Vegas and the Pittsburgh Penguins are being represented by their captain Sidney Crosby.

During his time at the Media Tour, Crosby spent some time with a player who could make their NHL debut against the Penguins in a little under a month.

First overall pick from the 2023 Draft Connor Bedard is likely to make the Chicago Blackhawks roster out of camp and should make his long awaited NHL debut in Pittsburgh.

Ever since the schedule was set, anticipation has been building for the puck to drop on the Penguins’ 2023-24 season.

As for Bedard, while he isn’t super focused on the season yet, he knows just how big of a moment that would be for him.

Bedard told NHL.com that Crosby was an idol of his growing up and making his NHL debut against him and the rest of the Penguins would be ‘awesome.’

“I try not to think about it too much right now, I’m focused on training camp and everything leading up. But if I was there and playing against him and that team, obviously it’s a pretty legendary group with him and (Evgeni) Malkin and (Kris) Letang, (Erik) Karlsson, of course. That would be pretty special.”

The Penguins home opener should also play as Karlsson’s debut with his new squad.

Bedard and Crosby were seen doing a couple of different promotional shoots together at the Media Tour and the rookie spoke highly of the Penguins captain and is already learning from him.

“Of course, my childhood idol in the hockey world and is such a good, genuine guy,” Bedard said. “For me to kind of spend some time with him and learn about him, the way he kind of handles himself and everything, has been great for me.”

The Penguins and Blackhawks are set to face off on October 10 and there should be no shortage of storylines.

Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more.

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