Chicago Blackhawks select Swedish forward Anton Frondell at No. 3 in the 2025 NHL draft
Life just got a little Swede-r for the Chicago Blackhawks.
The Hawks drafted the top-ranked international player with the No. 3 pick in Friday's NHL draft in Swedish forward Anton Frondell, a 17-year-old who, after graduating to Djurgårdens' junior team to Sweden's second division, stood out with 11 goals and 14 assists while competing against men.
In 2023-24, at the junior level, he averaged more than a point per game: 39 points (18 and 21 assists) in 29 games.
Former NHL scouting executive and SportsNet analyst Jason Bukala said Frondell looked better against the pros than his own peer group.
'Listen, this guy could play the center, he can play the wing, he's arguably the best shooter from the flank on the power play in the entire draft class,' he said. 'He absolutely rips pucks, so I really like Frondell a lot.'
NHL Central Scouting regards Frondell as a skilled player with strong legs and a quick stick.
'(He) has a nifty wrist shot and his release is solid and accurate. His hockey IQ shines with intelligent moves, with or without the puck. Likes to set up teammates using small moves and tricky passes.'
Coincidentally, last week the Hawks acquired former Seattle Kraken forward André Burakovsky, who grew up in Malmö, Sweden.
In other Swedish connections, Anders Sörensen, last season's interim head coach, remains on staff as an assistant, and the roster includes Arvid Söderblom.
The Hawks also have the No. 25 pick in the first round of the draft. Subsequent rounds will be drafted on Saturday.
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