Anton Frondell was selected third overall in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft and signed his entry-level contract (ELC) right after. When he was drafted, Frondell was advertised as the next right-hand man to Connor Bedard.Â
Frondell was a part of the gold medal-winning Sweden team at this year’s World Junior Championship and played a huge role, tallying eight points in seven games and showcasing a lethal one-timer on the power play. Adding to that, this season in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL), Frondell had 20 goals and 28 points in 43 games with Djurgardens IF, while also tallying two points in three playoff games, including an overtime goal. As an 18-year-old playing in one of the top professional hockey leagues in the world, he impressed and showed that he was ready to make his debut.Â
Frondell’s First Five GamesÂ
Before Frondell made his debut at the UBS Arena against the New York Islanders on March 24, head coach Jeff Blashill said that Frondell was going to be thrown into the fire. He was, as he played his first NHL game on Bedard’s wing on the first line with Ryan Greene on the other side. In the game against the Islanders, he tallied his first NHL point, an assist on a goal to Ilya Mikheyev. Frondell noticed the streaking Ilya Mikheyev and made a nice, heads-up pass that led to the goal. The Blackhawks went on to win that game, 4-3.
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The next contest against the Philadelphia Flyers was a 5-1 blowout loss, but it was the first time Frondell and Bedard connected, as Bedard scored his 30th goal of the year on an assist from Frondell. The Swede had his first two-point game against the New Jersey Devils on March 29 in his fourth-career game; firsdt, Devils goaltender Jake Allen lost the puck behind the net and Frondell scooped it up and centered to Mikheyev, who potted the goa to open the scoring in the first period. In the third frame, the Blackhawks were on a 5-on-3 power play, and Frondell sent the puck to Bedard, who then crossed to Frank Nazar, who ripped the puck past Allen for a 3-2 lead.
Last time out against the Winnipeg Jets on March 31, though, was the best moment of them all. Frondell, who had a great shift, showed off his hustle and found a loose puck in front of the net off a rebound and scored his first NHL goal against 2026 Winter Olympic gold medalist Connor Hellebuyck. His first goal in his first game at the United Center was quite fitting, as it was Jonathan Toews’ second game back in Chicago.
Frondell’s Role for the Rest of the Season
Frondell’s game includes a wicked shot, playmaking ability, and strength. He’s great at winning battles against the boards and forcing turnovers. With the puck on his stick, he can easily fend off defenders and get quality shots on goal or chances for his linemates. He brings a lot to the team that was desperately needed.Â
At his young age, he’s just a naturally strong kid. Frondell has found new life, though, as he’s been playing center on the second line for the last couple of games alongside Mikheyev and Tyler Bertuzzi. That line was the best looking out on the ice against the Jets; the three of them need to stick together until the end of the season. If Frondell can become a utility player who can play both center and the wing when needed, that would be a dream scenario. The Blackhawks need some size down the middle of the ice, and at 6-foot-1, mixed with his high motor, he brings it.
The most important thing for the remaining seven games is for Frondell to keep playing and to keep learning. Unfortunately, his defensive mistake cost the Blackhawks the game in overtime to Winnipeg, but that all comes with the big-league experience. Now is the perfect time to try him as a center and shuffle him around. Frondell has already proved that he can be a massive piece to the Blackhawks’ future, and it’s the most exciting thing to happen since Bedard was drafted.
