Anton Frondell has arrived — when will he play?
The wait is over, Anton Frondell is officially Chicago bound! Frondell has now played his last SHL game this season – losing to Malmo in game 3 of the SHL’s play in round of the playoffs on Saturday, setting up the most highly anticipated NHL debut for the Blackhawks since Connor Bedard (October 10, 2023).
Photo by: Chicago Blackhawks
The 2025 3rd overall pick had a very successful season with Djurgardens. He scored 20 goals, becoming the 4th ever 18 year-old (1st since Daniel Sedin) to score 20 goals in the SHL. Frondell also had 8 assists, totaling 28 points in 43 games. Despite having very inconsistent ice time, Frondell made the most of it. In game 1 of the play-in round he scored the overtime game winning goal, showing that he is no stranger to showing up in big moments when the lights are brightest. Frondell also had a big impact on the international stage at the World Junior Championship, where he had 5 goals and 8 points in 7 games, playing a major role in Sweden securing a gold medal.
But when will he play for the Blackhawks? Sooner than you might think, Frondell won’t have to deal with any Visa issues like 2024 1st round pick, Sacha Boisvert. All those details were taken care of back in the summer when Frondell signed his entry-level contract with the Blackhawks.
The Blackhawks play tomorrow at home vs Nashville at 2pm then again on Tuesday in New York against the Islanders. If i were to predict, I would estimate Frondell to make his debut on Thursday the 26th in Philadelphia. Who knows, maybe he does play Tuesday, but I wouldn’t expect it. Due to the long flight and I assume the Blackhawks will want to get him in at least 1 practice. It is highly likely that Frondell will get slotted right onto the top line with Connor Bedard, as he is likely going to be the 2nd best forward on the Blackhawks next season. Jeff Blashill has been married to the idea of keeping Andre Burakovksy on a line with Connor Bedard throughout the duration of this season, so it is likely that Frondell will bump Ryan Greene out of the top 6. Greene has been the top line left wing most of the season, and Frondell played left wing most of his season with Djurgardens, so the swap makes sense.
Anton Frondell may be the missing piece the Blackhawks have been waiting for. The 6’1” forward has the tools and skill set to be Bedard’s running mate for the long haul. Frondell will likely get 10 or so games with the Blackhawks this season — enough to get a taste of NHL action and get acclimated to the speed and skill level, setting Frondell up for a smooth start to next season. He may not light up the NHL in his first 10 games, and that’s okay. Frondell is only 18 years old and development isn’t linear.
Projected forward lines with Frondell:
Frondell - Bedard - Burakovsky
Bertuzzi - Nazar - Teravainen
Lardis - Greene - Mikheyev
Slaggert/Mangiapane - Boisvert - Donato
