Story Summary
Anton Frondell, the 19-year-old centre and No. 3 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, said during the European Player Media Tour that his primary goal for 2026-27 is to help the Chicago Blackhawks reach the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Frondell collected nine points (three goals, six assists) in 12 NHL games at the end of last season and expects to do more in his first full season. He discussed shifting from wing to centre, the difference between European and NHL rinks, working on face-offs and learning from teammates Connor Bedard and Patrick Kane. Bedard, the Blackhawks’ No. 1 centre and cornerstone of the rebuild, underwent left-shoulder surgery in July and is likely out until November. Chicago’s young core, bolstered by the June 23 trade for Bowen Byram and Kane’s July 23 two-year, $16 million contract ($8 million AAV), provides reasons for optimism despite recent playoff absences.
Key Facts
- Anton Frondell is 19 years old and from Trangsund, Sweden.
- Frondell was the No. 3 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
- He had nine points (three goals, six assists) in 12 NHL games at the end of last season.
- Frondell said during the European Player Media Tour that his goal for the season is to help the Blackhawks make the playoffs.
- Chicago has not qualified for the Stanley Cup Playoffs since 2020.
- The Blackhawks’ young core includes Connor Bedard (21), Frank Nazar (22), Bowen Byram (25), Alex Vlasic (25) and Artyom Levshunov (20).
- Bowen Byram was acquired by the Blackhawks in a trade with the Buffalo Sabres on June 23.
- Patrick Kane signed a two-year, $16 million contract ($8 million average annual value) with the Blackhawks on July 23 and has returned to the team.
- Connor Bedard, described as the Blackhawks’ No. 1 centre and the centerpiece of their rebuild, had surgery on his left shoulder in July and is likely out until November.
- Frondell said he was used as a winger early with Djurgarden and in his first three NHL games, then moved to centre for nine games and enjoyed playing in the middle.
- Frondell won 30.2 percent of his face-offs last season and said he worked on that area during the off-season.
- He described the biggest differences between European and NHL play as tighter space, less time with the puck on a U.S.-sized rink and the need for constant speed and quicker decisions.
IHM Discussion
Frondell arrives at training camp carrying momentum from a productive late-season cameo and a clear personal objective: help Chicago return to postseason hockey. His 12-game sample – nine points and experience at both wing and centre – gives the Blackhawks a flexible young forward. The club’s early-season outlook is also shaped by Bedard’s July shoulder surgery, which is likely to keep its No. 1 centre out until November. Frondell is among the candidates to fill in on the top line if required, though he made clear that he hopes Bedard’s absence is brief.
Why It Matters
Chicago’s rebuild depends on contributions from its young core. Frondell’s ability to handle centre responsibilities, improve on face-offs and adapt to the tighter, faster NHL game will be an important part of his first full season. Kane’s return brings extensive winning experience in Chicago, while the addition of Byram adds another established player to the group. Those developments give the Blackhawks more reasons for optimism as they pursue a return to the playoff race.
Fan Pulse
Frondell expressed that players and fans will miss Bedard while he recovers, repeating the view that Bedard is the team’s most important piece and that his absence is not a welcome opportunity for others.
Mini Q&A
What is Anton Frondell’s goal for the upcoming season?
Frondell said his goal for the season is to help the Chicago Blackhawks make the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
How did Frondell perform in the NHL last season?
He had nine points (three goals, six assists) in 12 NHL games at the end of last season.
Is Frondell comfortable playing centre?
Yes. He played three games as a winger and nine as a centre in the NHL sample and said he enjoyed playing in the middle and helping defensively.
What did Frondell say about face-offs?
He won 30.2 percent of his face-offs last season and said he worked on that area during the off-season.
What is Connor Bedard’s status?
Connor Bedard had surgery on his left shoulder in July and is likely out until November.
How does Frondell describe the difference between European and NHL play?
He said U.S.-sized rinks are tighter with less time and space, requiring quicker decisions and constant speed compared with European-sized ice.
Coach Mark Comment
Frondell’s versatility gives Chicago useful options, but the centre position will demand sharper face-off work and consistently quick decisions in tighter NHL space. His brief NHL sample was encouraging; the next step is building reliable habits away from the puck while retaining the confidence that produced nine points in 12 games.
What Comes Next
Connor Bedard is likely to be sidelined until November following left-shoulder surgery in July; his availability that month is the next clear roster checkpoint identified.
IHM Final View
Anton Frondell arrives at his first full NHL season with momentum and versatility. The Blackhawks’ blueprint this autumn will be partly defined by how quickly he adapts to centre duties and improves the specific skill areas – most notably face-offs – highlighted in his own assessment. With Bedard recovering from shoulder surgery and Patrick Kane back in the fold, Chicago’s season-opening outlook is a mixture of short-term adjustment and longer-term potential; Frondell’s progress will be one of the better early indicators of whether that young core can turn promise into a playoff push.