Travis Kelce, Connor Bedard Exchange Compliments

“This is like the rookie that the Blackhawks just got that I was just talking about…Connor Bed-nard or Connor Bend-dard,” Kelce said. “I don’t even know how to say his last name. I just know I love watching that dude play hockey.”

In the same clip, Kelce added that he'd like to join the Blackhawks on the ice for a practice. He noted how former tight end Rob Gronkowski joined the Tampa Bay Lightning as a goalie for practice while a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021.

"He [Gronk] was in net for a practice or something like that," Kelce said. "It was a great bit. I kind of got jealous. I want to do it now. I want to hit up the Blackhawks and get in net or something."

It didn't take long for Kelce's comments to reach Bedard, the first overall pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft who is universally seen as a generational talent. Speaking to reporters on Friday, the Blackhawks star reciprocated Kelce's admiration and invited him to join the team with open arms.

"Yeah, I saw that," Bedard said. "A couple guys were showing him unable to pronounce my name. That was cool, for sure. Obviously one of the best football players in the world. It's great...

"It would be cool. Obviously he's a Chicago fan, so that's pretty sweet to have someone... Guys like Gronkowski and I think JJ Watt went out with the team, so it would be cool. Maybe try to teach him how to play hockey a little bit."

While Kelce and the Chiefs prepare to host the Buffalo Bills in a crucial AFC showdown on Sunday, Bedard's Blackhawks are just hoping to see progress in a rebuilding year.