Anton Frondell snubs Blackhawks and Connor Bedard to stay in Sweden with childhood club
Anton Frondell, selected third overall by the Blackhawks, will purportedly spend his rookie season in Sweden with Djurgarden rather than joining Connor Bedard in the NHL. This decision aligns with Chicago's developmental approach, allowing the young Finn to mature while training alongside two-time Stanley Cup champion Marcus Kruger.
Anton
Frondell
delays
NHL debut
, chooses development year in Sweden
The most expected arrival of the exceptionally talented Anton Frondell to the Chicago Blackhawks' lineup won't happen just yet. Instead of heading straight for the bright lights of the National Hockey League alongside the likes of Connor Bedard, it seems the promising young Finn has opted for another year of development in his home country, with his cherished childhood team, Djurgarden, despite being a top-three pick in the NHL Draft.
Blackhawks back Anton Frondell's development path
This decision appears to be a calculated move, understood and supported by both Frondell and the Blackhawks organization. They recognize that at just 18, he's still edging his craft and might not be entirely prepared for the rigorous pace and physical demands of North American professional hockey. Giving him more time to mature his game in a familiar environment is seen as a beneficial step, preventing burnout and fostering long-term success.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription
Techno Mag
Learn More
Undo
Moreover, his time in Sweden offers a unique learning experience. He'll be hitting the ice with seasoned veteran Marcus Kruger, a familiar face to Blackhawks fans, having heaved the Stanley Cup twice with the Chicago club. Kruger's presence provides a priceless mentorship opportunity, allowing Frondell to glean insights into what it truly takes to win at the highest level—a spirit he'll eventually bring back to the very franchise he's fated to join.
Anton Frondell's loyalty to Djurgarden shines through
Frondell's deep bond with his Swedish squad is unmistakable. He passionately phrased, "When I got the offer to stay, there was no doubt, no hesitation. Everyone who knows me knows that this is the club that I want to play for as long as possible. I have been a Djurgarden fan since the day I was born and I have always looked up to those who have worn Djurgarden jerseys."
Despite this heartfelt proclamation, Frondell is still expected to formally sign his initial contract with the Blackhawks. Reports affirm: "Anton Frondell will sign an entry-level contract this upcoming week with the Chicago Blackhawks. The 18-year-old will sign for three years at $975,000 per year, which is the maximum allowed for an entry-level deal according to the CBA." Captivatingly, this puts his initial contract value higher than Connor Bedard's current deal, though Frondell's contract won't officially begin until he joins the NHL roster.
Also Read:
Tom Brady and Wayne Gretzky's FIFA Club World Cup Final cameo sparks political buzz in Donald Trump's VIP suite
This isn't a setback for Frondell, but a smart delay. He's simply taking an extra year to sharpen his skills, ensuring he arrives in Chicago ready to be a true game-changer.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Are Florida Panthers unlucky when it comes to NHL schedules? Stanley Cup-winning team gets confusing fixture yet again
Florida Panthers (via Getty Images) Two Stanley Cup rings in a row didn't give the Florida Panthers too much affection from the NHL 's schedule geniuses. The complete 2025–26 NHL schedule was released Wednesday, and again, the Florida Panthers' road to the playoffs appears to have been plotted by someone who has never unfolded a map—or seen a Cup Final. And that's only the start of the strangeness. Florida Panthers to face 13 back-to-backs—and not the good kind The Florida Panthers must make it through 13 consecutive sets this year. That's only one fewer than the previous year's count, which was boosted by the overseas journey to Finland. The Florida Panthers will play three home-based back-to-backs in December alone, a set of games that might exhaust even a championship-stacked roster. Things start to go haywire in early 2026. The Florida Panthers' most extensive road swing of the year comes in January: six games of going through Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Buffalo, Carolina, and Washington. And then they're home for one game before taking off again to play Winnipeg, Minnesota, and Chicago. Reacting to the Panthers 2025-26 schedule release March mayhem and the Olympic sandwich March won't be more merciful. Florida has 10 of its 15 contests on the road during that month, with three additional back-to-backs thrown in for good measure. And don't count on a clean slate for the 2026 Winter Games in Italy. The Panthers will be forced to play a back-to-back both before and after the league break. There's no welcome mat quite like a condensed schedule and global jet lag. A slight silver lining for Florida Panthers? Only eight of Florida's 13 back-to-backs come after January 1. Last year, that number was 10. Despite winning two straight Cups and cementing their status as the NHL's gold standard, the Panthers are once again stuck with a disjointed, exhausting calendar. Also read: Brad Marchand trade to Florida Panthers leads to Stanley Cup win and emotional return to Boston Bruins Whether it's a thank-you present or a scheduling error, one thing's for certain—Florida's struggle to win a third Cup will be just as much about making it through the schedule as it will about outplaying competition. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
WHL Commissioner Dan Near reignites NCAA vs. AHL hockey debate
WHL Commissioner Dan Near (via Getty Images) A simmering hockey development debate that has been around for a long time has erupted once more—and this time it's personal. WHL Commissioner Dan Near came out swinging in his podcast appearance this week, likening NCAA hockey to "business class" and challenging whether or not it properly prepares players for the ruggedness of pro hockey existence in the AHL. Dan Near's "business class" insult of NCAA draws criticism On July 16, WHL Commissioner Dan Near caused a stir when he made an appearance on the Pipeline Show podcast and offered a blunt analogy comparing NCAA hockey to flying business class. He maintained that players, after being introduced to the comfort of the college game, might not be prepared for the pro-level grind and the turbulence associated with it. 'I know people who have flown coach their whole life and then had an opportunity to get upgraded, and they sat in business class. Do you know how hard it is to go back to coach once you've sat in business class?' he said. 'Well, the American Hockey League versus the NCAA environment—I'm not sure that playing a Friday-Saturday schedule and then pumping iron and drinking smoothies all week is necessarily the best segue into what the AHL grind is like. ' His words prompted instant backlash on the web, particularly given the timing—just days after the league's best WHL star, Gavin McKenna, pledged to Penn State, the first marquee CHL player to leap to NCAA hockey under the new eligibility standards. NCAA advocates make the case that additional time, schooling, and focus on comprehensive development can be to the benefit of both the player and the individual. Detractors contend it has the potential to shelter players from pro-grade adversity. Bottom line: No easy path to NHL Dan Near's comparison is inflammatory, perhaps, but it raises a legitimate question: Is NCAA hockey readying players for professional hockey's strain, or is it too cushy? Also read: Future NHL stars: Ranking top 10 goaltenders under age 25, including Dustin Wolf and Spencer Knight With more CHL players looking to the college path and the AHL still pumping out NHL-ready talent, the argument isn't disappearing anytime soon. And while leagues vie for the future stars, the only thing certain is that the road to the NHL will continue to be anything but smooth. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Future NHL stars: Ranking top 10 goaltenders under age 25, including Dustin Wolf and Spencer Knight
NHL's top young goalies set to own the net (Image via: Getty Images) As NHL Young Stars Week shines a spotlight on the future of the league, goaltending prospects are stealing the headlines. With speed, skill, and mental fortitude, a new wave of under-25 goalies is ready to take over the crease. These young netminders are already making an impact or are on the verge of doing so. Why NHL teams are betting big on young goaltenders Goaltending remains one of the hardest positions to project, but the NHL's next generation is full of talent, with several players already cracking NHL lineups and others dominating the AHL and college ranks. With tighter salary caps and the need for long-term solutions, teams are banking on these young, affordable goalies to be game-changers. — NHLdotcom (@NHLdotcom) Top under-25 NHL goalies to watch in 2025 Dustin Wolf (Calgary Flames) leads the list thanks to a standout rookie season. Drafted 214th overall in 2019, Wolf defied the odds with elite AHL numbers and a solid 29-16-8 NHL debut. His .910 save percentage and ability to read the play make him one of the most exciting young goalies in hockey. Spencer Knight (Chicago Blackhawks) brings the most NHL experience. After a reset year and a trade to Chicago, the 24-year-old is set to battle for a starting role. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo His size, positioning, and calm demeanor give him long-term No. 1 potential. Yaroslav Askarov (San Jose Sharks) was once considered the top goalie prospect in the world. Now with San Jose after being blocked in Nashville, the 23-year-old athletic Russian has a golden opportunity to prove his NHL worth. Leevi Merilainen (Ottawa Senators) and Jacob Fowler (Montreal Canadiens) are quickly rising. Merilainen impressed in both the NHL and AHL last season, while Fowler's .940 save percentage at Boston College and strong AHL debut suggest he could fast-track to the big league. Trey Augustine (Detroit Red Wings), Jet Greaves (Columbus Blue Jackets), and Devon Levi (Buffalo Sabres) add further depth to the list. Augustine has international pedigree, Greaves is an undrafted success story, and Levi's quick reflexes and smarts continue to turn heads. Jesper Wallstedt (Minnesota Wild) and Joel Blomqvist (Pittsburgh Penguins) round out the top 10, both looking to break through on struggling rosters. Also Read: Brad Marchand trade to Florida Panthers leads to Stanley Cup win and emotional return to Boston Bruins The future of NHL goaltending belongs to these under-25 standouts These under-25 goalies represent the NHL's future in net—faster, smarter, and more prepared than ever. With names like Dustin Wolf and Spencer Knight leading the charge, this new wave of talent is already making its mark on NHL rosters. Keep an eye on these rising stars as they battle for starting roles and shape the league's next era of elite goaltending. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
