New winger Reilly Smith checks a lot of boxes for the Pittsburgh Penguins heading into the 2023-24 season. Connor Bedard has said on a couple of occasions that he idolized Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby growing up. Ironically enough, it’s very possible Bedard skates in his first ever NHL game against Crosby and the Penguins. Until that dream becomes a reality, however, Bedard has to work to make the Chicago Blackhawks roster. Surely, when you get drafted No. 1 overall, you get flooded with messages in many forms congratulating you on your accomplishment. What was one message that stood out the most for Bedard? He said that Crosby shot him a congratulatory text following the draft. Bedard said it was cool that Crosby reached out and said he is one of the best to ever do it. These two already have something in common by being No. 1 overall picks in their respective drafts, now Bedard will have a chance to follow in the footsteps left by Crosby. Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins [http://insidethepenguins.com/]for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more! Penguins Defenseman Dmitry Kulikov Signs with Panthers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/news/pittsburgh-penguins-dmitry-kulikov-signs-florida-panthers] Recapping the Penguins First Day of Free Agency [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/news/racap-pittsburgh-penguins-first-day-free-agency] Despite Kyle Dubas' Best Efforts, Penguins Still Not a Contender [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/pens-talk/kyle-dubas-efforts-pittsburgh-penguins-not-contender] Radim Zohorna Among Trio of Penguins Depth Signings [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/news/radim-zohorna-trio-pittsburgh-penguins-depth-signings] Flavell's Five Thoughts: Penguins After First Day of Free Agency [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/pens-talk/pittsburgh-penguins-after-first-day-free-agency] * undefined * undefined
