With the 3rd pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, the Chicago Blackhawks selected Swedish forward Anton Frondell. This came after the New York Islanders selected Matthew Schaefer and the San Jose Sharks took Michael Misa.

Due to Chicago's overwhelming depth on defense and the prominent forward draft class, it was always certain that they'd end up taking a forward. A lot of factors went into Frondell being the guy. 

Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar are seen as the catalysts up front for the Blackhawks at this time. Each of them is there to create offense. Both of them are undersized but widely talented with the puck. Kyle Davidson wanted to make sure to balance things out with his forwards selected in 2025.

Frondell, a 200-foot center, is exactly the type of player that the Blackhawks needed. He can provide offense, but you know you're getting an honest two-way effort from him on every shift. 

Everything that makes Frondell a high-end prospect is what makes him a great fit for Chicago's roster in 2025-26. He isn't going to be a star right away, but he has the tools to help the team as soon as he touches NHL ice. 

If the Blackhawks are up a goal late and need to protect the lead, Frondell may be someone tapped to go out there and defend it. 

Frondell compared himself to Aleksander Barkov after he was drafted. Well, being one of the greatest two-way players of all time is a stretch. However, that play style is welcomed by every team in the league. 

Cam Robinson (@Hockey_Robinson) on XAnton Frondell (2025) out here breaking ankles at the 5 Nations

Anything can happen, and there are things in Frondell's game that need work, but he declared that his goal is to make the team out of camp. The current state of the franchise makes that goal attainable. 

If the Blackhawks had Bedard, Nazar, and Frondell as a three-headed monster down the middle, they'd have three lines that bring something different. 

Frondell is also the perfect age for this group. Most of the roster is going to be under 24 years old in 2025-26, so they can grow up together. 

At first, it seemed like Frondell was destined to go back to Sweden for one season. Now, there is a very real chance that he begins in the NHL right away. 

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