Chicago Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson announced today that Anton Frondell has signed an entry-level contract with the club. Frondell, selected third overall in the 2025 NHL Draft, is signed through the 2027-28 season with a $975,000 salary cap hit per year.
Last season, Frondell scored 11 goals and 14 assists for 25 points in 29 games with DjurgÃ¥rdens IF of HockeyAllsvenskan. Frondell helped his team to the HockeyAllsvenskan championship, earning rookie of the year honors along the way. Shortly after, he was promoted to the Swedish hockey League, where he put up three goals and four assists for seven points in 16 games. He’ll look to improve his team’s chances at their 17th Le Mat Trophy, the SHL’s championship trophy.
Frondell Plans Return to Sweden
In an interview at the NHL Scouting Combine, Frondell made it clear he’s returning to DjurgÃ¥rdens for the 2025-26 season.
âWhen I got the offer to stay, there was no doubt, no hesitation,â Frondell said. âEveryone who knows me knows that this is the club that I want to play for as long as possible. I have been a DjurgÃ¥rden fan since the day I was born. I have always looked up to those who have worn DjurgÃ¥rden jerseys. To play for DjurgÃ¥rden myself is the best thing I know. With the support of the fans it only becomes even better each game.â
Signing Frondell to an entry level contract allows the Blackhawks to bring him to the NHL at the conclusion of the SHL season. In addition, it increases Chicago’s flexibility with contract extensions as they work out deals with star center Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar.
Frondell Priased by Scouts, Former Blackhawks
Before the draft, Steven Ellis of Daily Faceoff sung Frondell’s praises.âFrondell has a fantastic shot release and heâs getting even better at attacking pucks, too. I wish heâd dominate shifts more consistently, but heâs still one of the best players every time he hits the ice. Iâm not too worried about that moving forward, though. He had to make up for lost time by prioritizing scoring lanes. Thereâs a reason his teammates and peers consider him to be one of the most difficult players to play against. Heâs got that dog in him.”
Former Blackhawks defenseman Johnny Oduya spoke very highly of Frondell, as well. ââWhen I meet young players, I tend to look for…the eyes on fire and the need and the want [to succeed],ââ Oduya said. ââThatâs really cool when itâs connected to skill and hockey sense and all of the other stuff he has.ââ
ââIn many ways, [Frondell] has a lot of the characteristics Marian Hossa had. Heâs a very down-to-earth individual that has this light appearance. But heâs still really hard-working and doesnât take himself too seriously. He knows what he can deliver.ââ
Frondell will not be attending training camp, per Davidson. This means that the earliest he can hit North American ice will be March of 2026 at the conclusion of the SHL season. Until then, the Blackhawks will have their eye on Sweden as the highly-touted center continues to develop.
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