Chicago is buzzing with anticipation as Anton Frondell, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 draft, is set to make his NHL debut with the Blackhawks this week. Coach Jeff Blashill shared before the team’s narrow 3-2 overtime loss to Nashville that Frondell is en route from Sweden, with hopes of hitting the ice soon.
While Blashill didn’t confirm if Frondell would be paired with Connor Bedard, the star center and top pick from 2023, he assured fans that the 6-foot-2, 200-pound forward would be playing alongside top-tier talent. Frondell’s journey to the NHL began with a three-year, entry-level contract signed last summer, followed by a season with Djurgardens in the Swedish Hockey League.
Frondell’s rookie season in the SHL was nothing short of impressive. He became only the fourth 18-year-old to net 20 goals in the league, a feat last achieved by Daniel Sedin in 1998-99. He capped off his season by playing a pivotal role in Sweden's gold medal win at the world junior championships and continued his strong performance with Djurgardens, scoring in 10 of the last 18 regular-season games.
The Blackhawks are embarking on a four-game road trip, facing off against the New York Islanders, Philadelphia Flyers, New York Rangers, and New Jersey Devils. Coach Blashill is keeping an eye on travel arrangements and expects to have a clearer picture of Frondell’s debut by Monday.
Blashill is eager to integrate Frondell into the lineup, especially as the team, currently in a rebuilding phase, sits at 26-31-13, holding the 30th spot in the 32-team NHL. “Given his level of play and how well he’s performed recently, I’m ready to throw him into the fire,” Blashill remarked.
In addition to Frondell, forward Sacha Boisvert, one of Chicago’s three first-round picks in 2024, is also anticipated to join the squad soon. The 20-year-old from Trois-Rivieres, Quebec, has just wrapped up his season with Boston University and is awaiting immigration clearance before making his Chicago debut.