Anton Frondell is already getting a taste of what life looks like over the long haul in the NHL, and the Chicago Blackhawks rookie is handling the workload with more than just offense.
Through the first nine games of his 2026-27 season, Frondell has put up one goal and five assists for six points. That won’t make him a point-per-game rookie, at least not in all likelihood, but it still leaves him in the mix to be one of the league’s top scorers among first-year players. Add in the 15 points he has collected in 21 games since making his NHL debut late last season, and he has to be part of the Calder Trophy conversation.
What separates Frondell from a lot of young scorers is the work he’s doing away from the puck. He’s not just trying to be productive - he’s trying to become the kind of center coaches trust in every situation. That defensive attention is a big part of why the Blackhawks see so much in him.
Over the last few games, Chicago has thrown him into some heavy-duty matchups, and he has responded well. Frondell has faced Sidney Crosby, Mark Scheifele and Wyatt Johnston, and held up against each of them.
“For me, getting trusted in those areas of the game,” Frondell said about what he likes most about being in that role. "Playing Crosby was awesome.
For me, just a dream. As I said, getting trusted by the coach, going and taking those faceoffs against their top line a couple of times is something I try to do the best way I can."
That role has also fit into a broader stretch where Chicago has looked more connected up front. With Connor Bedard back from injury and the rest of the group mostly healthy, the Blackhawks have been playing better as a unit.
The game against Dallas was lousy, but that followed two solid showings against Pittsburgh and Winnipeg. Frondell has been a key part of that with the two-way game he brings.
He also pointed to having "a big group" as a reason the team can survive an absence that might keep someone out for a while. To him, that depth has been part of what makes the room feel good.
The biggest adjustment for Frondell has come from the sheer volume of games. The jump from Sweden to the NHL means a different system, different people and a much heavier schedule. For him, the number of games stands out most.
"It's more games that we play, the longer season, and how tight the schedule is, compared to Sweden, where we only play 52, and there are 84 [here]," Frondell said." That's probably something I'll notice going forward."
That grind can wear on rookies as the season rolls along, and Frondell understands that possibility. Even so, he looks built for it, with the tools to push through the tough stretches that come with a full NHL schedule.
The Blackhawks won’t be long from leaning on him as their go-to two-way center. Bedard is still the offensive centerpiece, the player they build around because of how gifted he is going forward, but Frondell gives them the kind of center needed for the heavy matchups. That combination could let both players do what they do best.
"He's got a really good ability to check for offense, and he's still just growing and learning," head coach Jeff Blashill said of Frondell. "He's just at the cusp of what he's going to be, and he's still a really young kid."
The schedule ahead will bring more centers who can force the issue, and opponents will keep trying to line up Bedard against the toughest assignments. At home, especially, the Blackhawks will look to get Frondell those matchups too.
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