NHL Draft Highlights
In a highly anticipated NHL Draft, the Chicago Blackhawks selected Swedish forward Anton Frondell with the third overall pick in 2025, following the first and second selections of Matthew Schaefer by the New York Islanders and Michael Misa by the San Jose Sharks.
Player Comparison
Frondell, who stands nearly 6-foot-2 and weighs 205 pounds, draws parallels between his playing style and that of Aleksander Barkov, the dynamic captain of the Florida Panthers.
Barkov is widely regarded as the premier two-way forward in the league, earning three Selke Trophies by the age of 29, positioning him amongst legends like Patrice Bergeron and Pavel Datsyuk. His impressive stats include 286 goals and a total of 782 points accumulated throughout his 804 career games, leading to a points-per-game average of 0.97. Just last season, Barkov achieved personal bests with 39 goals and 96 points.
Frondell’s Aspirations
While Frondell acknowledges that he does not claim to be the next Barkov, the comparison does set high standards for himself as he embarks on his professional career.
“I compare myself to Aleksander Barkov in Florida,”
Frondell remarked when discussing his game.
Impact on the Blackhawks
Frondell’s selection comes at a crucial time for the Blackhawks, who are looking to build around promising center Connor Bedard and skilled forward Frank Nazar. The addition of Frondell could provide them with a versatile two-way center, filling a vital role that allows for a balanced offensive and defensive strategy, much like Barkov supports the forward line of Sam Bennett and Matthew Tkachuk.
Recent Performance
During his latest season with Djurgårdens IF, Frondell played a pivotal role in their promotion back to the SHL, despite facing injury challenges. He managed to score 11 goals and contribute 25 points over 29 games. Initially, it was anticipated that he would return to Sweden for another year, but after an impressive development camp and commitment to push for a roster spot this fall, he may have a chance to play at the NHL level sooner than expected.
Future Potential
If Frondell can harness the qualities that define Barkov—his offensive creativity, robust defensive skills, adept body usage, and high hockey IQ—he has the potential for a successful NHL career ahead. However, aspiring to emulate such an accomplished player is far easier than achieving it as he steps into this new chapter in the Blackhawks organization.
