Penguins' Sidney Crosby ready for another 'next' one in Blackhawks' Connor Bedard

Sidney Crosby has seen this before.

For the past 18 seasons, he has witnessed it.

And 18 years ago, he lived it.

Being the “next” one.

The latest claimant to that designation, Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard, made his NHL debut in front of a national television audience Tuesday in the season opener for his team as well as the hosts, Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Crosby is the main antagonist in the first chapter of Bedard’s story.

That has been the case on the occasions he has faced the likes of previous “next” ones such as Colorado Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon or Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid. And it’s certainly always how things are framed on the numerous entanglements he has had with his longtime nemesis, Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin.

Crosby understands the narrative the likes of ESPN and the NHL want to force upon the audience as he crosses paths with Bedard.

But for Crosby, he’s only doing what he has done for the previous 18 seasons.

Play hockey.

“When I was a young guy playing an older guy, I looked at that as an opportunity to go out there and compete against the best,” said Crosby, who debuted in the NHL in October 2005. “If a young guy is coming up or being touted as the best, what a great opportunity that is to be able to go out there and go head-to-head against those guys. That’s why you love the opportunity to play in the NHL and do that every night. That’s what I get up for.

“The age, the narrative doesn’t change. … I just love to compete.”

At 36, Crosby can still compete. Last season, he posted a team-best 93 points (33 goals, 60 assists) in 82 games.

Some of those “next” ones have surpassed him in terms of pure production. Last season, McDavid recorded an obscene 153 points (64 goals, 89 assists) in 82 games. MacKinnon was fifth with 111 points (42 goals, 69 assists) in 71 games.

“They’re pretty good players, so I’ll take it as a compliment,” Crosby said last week of the comparisons. “It’s one of those things where I can relate to it. As a young player, I had players that I was compared to. So, I think I can relate to that. They’re pretty good players. They’re pretty skilled. When I watch them, they’re impressive. If that’s the comparison they get, then I’ll definitely take that.”

Bedard, who was the first overall pick in July’s draft, has garnered similar comparisons to Crosby and others who exist in that mesosphere.

Crosby and Bedard interacted during the NHL’s media tour in Nevada last month. As much as Bedard admires Crosby the player, he adores Crosby the human.

“Just the way he interacts with everyone, he’s such a good role model for kids and the hockey community in itself,” Bedard said after his team’s morning skate at PPG Paints Arena. “Getting to spend a little time with him, just seeing how much time he takes for everyone and treats everyone with respect, he just seems like an amazing person. Of course, what he does on the ice is remarkable. Top five player of all time probably. Off the ice, it’s just as remarkable to see what he does.”

Crosby sees plenty of remarkable traits in the “next” one.

“He’s a guy that’s more than ready at this point,” Crosby said. “He’s been dealing with the expectations for a while now. There’s been a lot of pressure and things like that. At this point, I think he’s just ready to finally start and get that over with.

“He’s got it figured out. He’ll be fine.”