Los Angeles, Calif. (670 The Score/WGR Sports Radio 550) - The Blackhawks selected 18-year-old forward Anton Frondell with the third overall pick in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft on Friday evening.
The 6-foot, 196-pound Frondell had 25 points (11 goals, 14 assists) in 29 games this past season with Djurgårdens IF in the HockeyAllsvenskan, the second-division professional league in his native Sweden.
Frondell isn’t expected to be an immediate contributor for the Blackhawks, as he’s expected to play in Sweden again next season, the Sun-Times reported.
The two-way center also played for Team Sweden in the 2025 IIHF World U18 Championship, where he had three points in five games.
Here is what WGR's Brayton Wilson had to say about Frondell:
"Frondell is the No. 1-ranked skater by NHL Central Scouting among European skaters, and it’s clear to see why many believe in the upside he has.
"In his draft year, Frondell spent most of his season playing alongside fellow draft classmate Victor Eklund, where he scored 11 goals and added 14 assists for 25 points in 29 games played for Djurgårdens IF in Sweden’s second-tier league HockeyAllsvenskan.
"Where many will salivate over Frondell is his potential to be a very complete 200-foot player at the top level.
"Offensively, Frondell has a dangerously good shot, whether it’s a one-timer from the off-wing and a simple wrist shot on the fly. The puck comes off his stick with authority, comes off quick, and he can pick his spots when given the time and space with a goaltender.
"While Frondell is a lethal shooter, he keeps his game rather simple and controlled, not being much of a flashy player on the ice. He’s a smart puck mover, he uses his frame rather well to control the puck, and just makes good decisions overall with the puck and his positioning.
"Defensively, while there’s certainly further room to refine his game in his own end, Frondell is a pretty reliable asset because of his positioning and decision making on the ice.
"Where Frondell could use some improvement is his skating. While he does generate some good speed once he hits top flight, his mechanics hinder him from getting good acceleration right off the hop. If he can clean up his stride and be a bit lighter on his feet, it will only make him that much more dangerous on the ice.
"And if Frondell can bulk up and fill out his frame a bit more, along with rounding out his game at the SHL level in the coming year or two, he may be a stellar get for a top-10 team in this draft."