Add NHL phenom Connor Bedard to the ever-growing list of notable professional athletes who genuinely love America’s fastest-growing sport.

The Chicago Blackhawks star recently confirmed on The Jackie Redmond Show that he spent quite a bit of time on the court over the summer while training in his hometown of Vancouver, BC.

"I played a lot of pickleball, which was fun. I enjoy it," said Bedard, who claimed the Calder Trophy as the NHL's Rookie of the Year last season. "I took it up a bit last summer just with some buddies for fun, and played a decent amount this year."

Admittedly, the 19-year-old isn't ready for the PPA Tour or Major League Pickleball just yet.

The first step in the process would likely be understanding pickleball's DUPR rating system.

"What would you say your skill level is, if you had to self-rate?" asked Redmond, a pickleball enthusiast herself. "Do you know how the rating system works in pickleball?"

"I have no clue," admitted Bedard with a laugh. "I just play for fun. I think I'm alright."

"If you were a beginner, you'd be a 2.0 or a 2.5," she explained. "But, the pros are 6.0s or 7.0s type of thing."

"So like a 4," he replied. "3 or 4. Is that good?"

"A 4 if you just started is unreal," she answered.

Bedard's pickleball skills are briefly featured in the season-opening episode of the Blackhawks' documentary series Every Shift.

Newly-appointed captain Nick Foligno organized a tournament for team bonding.

Fast forward to the 16:51 mark of the show to watch the segment with Bedard and the rest of the group.