Obviously not the best player ever, clearly behind the big 4. But if there was a redraft of every player at age 18, I might be tempted to take him first. He's incredibly adaptable, he's changed his game multiple times to adapt to a changing league and his age or injuries. He's without a doubt era proof, he would be a generational player in any era or style of league. Tight checking, wide open, elite goalies, doesn't really matter. And his longevity speaks for itself, 19 consecutive ppg+ seasons and counting.
And of course he's a model citizen on and off the court, zero drama and such a hard worker that it rubs off on everyone.
not the absolute best player, but for one player to build around Crosby has a decent argument. This is more of a devil's advocate post, as I personally would take Gretzky and Lemieux ahead of him.