The Blackhawks followed the most anticipated script Friday night, selecting Swedish forward Anton Frondell with the third overall pick in the NHL Draft.
Frondell, described by fellow prospect Victor Eklund as a “tank on the ice” during the combine, is a powerful winger with high upside. While his game carries some risk, his potential has drawn comparisons to Florida Panthers star Aleksander Barkov Frondell’s own chosen NHL role model. At 6-foot-1 and 204 pounds, the Stockholm native may eventually slot in as a key piece alongside Connor Bedard or Frank Nazar.
“It’s unbelievable,” Frondell said in a Zoom interview. “Everything went black when I heard my name. I finally have a favorite NHL team I’m thrilled to be part of Chicago.”
This year’s draft was the NHL’s first to use a decentralized format, with players assembled in Los Angeles and teams drafting remotely a setup that many found chaotic and disorganized. Despite the buzz, no top-10 selections were traded.
Chicago had considered the possibility of landing Michael Misa, but the Sharks took him at No. 2 after the Islanders grabbed defenseman Matthew Schaefer first overall. Following Frondell, the Mammoth took Caleb Desnoyers at No. 4 and the Predators surprised many by selecting Brady Martin at No. 5.
One of Frondell’s most exciting assets is his shot regarded by many as the best in this draft class, whether it’s his deadly wrist shot or one-timer. He had a slow start to the past season after recovering from knee surgery but rebounded impressively once healthy, notching 25 points in 29 games with Djurgarden in Sweden’s Allsvenskan. That point-per-game rate eclipsed what David Pastrnak and William Nylander produced in the same league during their draft seasons.
“I use my size well with the puck,” he said. “I try to contribute offensively, but defense is just as important.”
Frondell felt a strong connection with the Blackhawks during interviews and was especially influenced by veteran Marcus Kruger, his current teammate in Sweden and former Stanley Cup champ with Chicago. Kruger had nothing but praise for his old NHL club, telling Frondell: “If you want to win, go to Chicago.”
Frondell hopes to make the NHL roster this fall and will have his shot in training camp, though it’s likely he returns to Djurgarden newly promoted to Sweden’s top division for further development. He’s primarily played wing and likely will continue in that role as a pro.
Still, scouts have voiced concerns. Frondell has shown inconsistency from game to game and hasn’t always impressed on the international stage. His skating remains a work in progress though he says he’s been steadily improving it.
“I’ve been focused on getting faster,” he said. “Each year I feel better, but I’m pushing to be quicker and reach top speed faster.”
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