When the Chicago Blackhawks prospects hit the ice this month. there was one big name not in Illinois. Anton Frondell, the third overall pick from the 2025 NHL Draft, was thousands of miles away preparing for his season with Djurgårdens IF in the SHL.
Instead of chasing a roster spot right away, the young Swede is betting on patience and development.
Frondell: A prospect with a complete profile
At 6’1” and around 205 pounds, Frondell already has NHL size. He’s strong on his skates. He protecting the puck in tight areas, and plays with maturity beyond his years.
Scouts rave about his hockey IQ — the way he reads the ice, makes smart decisions in transition, and supports teammates in all three zones. He’s not just an offensive piece, but a reliable two-way forward.
Still, there’s room to grow. His first few strides need more explosiveness, and consistency has been a question at times. Injuries also interrupted his rhythm last year.
But when he’s healthy and engaged, Frondell looks every bit the franchise piece Chicago envisioned.
Analytics Backing Up the Hype
Independent scouting models are also very high on Frondell. According to Hockey Prospecting’s Byron Bader, he actually had the highest Draft-Year star probability of any player in the 2025 class, with numbers comparable to elite names like Nikita Kucherov, Quinton Byfield, and Mitch Marner at the same stage.
What makes Frondell unique is not only the production — 40+ NHL equivalency in his draft year — but the fact he did it in a men’s pro league (the Allsvenskan) at just 17 years old. That’s a path we rarely see, and the last big name to follow a similar curve was Aleksander Barkov.
For Chicago, this kind of projection suggests they didn’t just draft a solid forward — they may have landed a future star.
[Insert Hockey Prospecting chart here — courtesy of Byron Bader, Hockey Prospecting]
Why the Blackhawks prospect stayed in Sweden
After signing his three-year entry-level contract in July, Frondell had the option to come to Chicago’s rookie camp and the main training camp that followed.
Many fans assumed they’d see him in a Blackhawks sweater this fall. But instead, Frondell made the choice to remain with Djurgården as they step back into the SHL.
Frondell dealt with interruptions last season. He dealt a nagging injury early, and then the constant scrutiny of his draft year.
By staying in Sweden, he gets stability, a normal start, and the chance to take on a major role in a good league. Djurgården’s season opener came quickly, and Frondell wanted to be there from day one.
Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson understood. He explained that Chicago’s development philosophy is to support the player’s comfort and confidence.
If Frondell feels Sweden is the best spot right now, the team will back that decision. As Davidson put it, when a young player owns his development, the results tend to be better.
Frondell will spend the season with Djurgården
Frondell won’t be on his own this season either. He’ll play again with his longtime friend Viktor Eklund, a New York Islanders prospect.
The two have a natural chemistry, having skated together growing up, and now they’re back on the same line in Djurgården’s push through the SHL.
Last year in HockeyAllsvenskan, Frondell was a force — 25 points in 29 games, plus seven more in Djurgården’s playoff run that secured promotion.
That kind of production in a men’s league showed he could deliver under pressure. Now the real test begins: can he do it consistently in Sweden’s top league?
Looking Ahead: WJC & Beyond
If all goes well, Frondell will also represent Sweden at the 2026 World Junior Championship. It’s another stage to showcase his skills and leadership, this time against the best young players in the world.
That experience, combined with regular SHL action, would give him a full slate of high-level hockey this year.
And what about Chicago? Davidson hinted that while the plan is for Frondell to spend the season in Sweden, the door isn’t closed on a move.
Depending on how things go, Frondell could cross the Atlantic once his SHL season ends in the spring. That could mean suiting up for the Blackhawks in the NHL or easing into North America with the Rockford IceHogs in the AHL.
Either way, the expectation is that this won’t be a long wait. Davidson doesn’t believe Frondell will need more than this season overseas.
What’s at stake for the Blackhawks future
This year is about more than just points. It’s about proving he can handle the grind of a full pro season, stay healthy, and lead in important moments.
He’ll be tested against older, stronger players every night. His skating stride and pace will need to catch up, but his size, strength, and hockey sense give him every tool to succeed.
If Frondell shows growth in those areas, the Blackhawks could have a cornerstone piece ready to step into their rebuild sooner rather than later.
Final Thoughts
Anton Frondell may not be in Illinois right now, but that doesn’t mean he’s falling behind. In fact, he might be right where he needs to be.
Surrounded by familiar faces, playing in one of Europe’s toughest leagues, and with the backing of his NHL organization, he’s set up for an important year of growth.
Whether it ends with a flight to Chicago or a stop in Rockford, the Blackhawks know their top pick is on the right track.
For now, all eyes are on Djurgården — and on a young Swede who could soon be wearing the Blackhawks sweater.
Big day for #Blackhawks prospects tomorrow:
• Anton Frondell makes his SHL debut at 8:15 AM CST
• Chicago’s rookies battle the Blues prospects at 6:00 PM CST
