Yes, of course he was an elite talent.
I first saw him play ar the '91 World Juniors, where he was the revelation of the tournament. Fast and talented, a great scorer. He's close to being the most forgotten (to the extent he's forgotten) great scorer of all-time.
He should be in the HHOF (if i had a vote, it would be an easy "Yes"). One of the top scorers of the DPE in the NHL, and in Europe and internationally otherwise.