Chicago Blackhawks sign Anton Frondell to $2.9 million deal as Swedish ‘tank’ eyes NHL future

When the Chicago Blackhawks announced on Tuesday that they had signed Anton Frondell to a three-year, $2.925 million entry-level contract, it marked a pivotal moment for both player and franchise.

The 18-year-old Swedish center, selected No. 3 overall in the 2025 NHL Draft, has long dreamed of making the jump to North America’s biggest stage. Yet even with his sights set on Chicago, Frondell remains deeply tied to Stockholm’s Djurgarden—a club he calls home, where he honed his game and made his name in the Swedish Hockey League.It’s a rare blend of ambition and loyalty that makes Frondell one of the most compelling Chicago Blackhawks prospects in years.

Why Anton Frondell’s $2.9 million signing is a game-changer for the Chicago Blackhawks rebuild

Anton Frondell, who was born in Trångsund just 10 miles south of Djurgarden’s home in Stockholm, has been part of the club’s system since he was 15. Last season he played a crucial role in helping Djurgarden return to the Swedish Hockey League after three years in Allsvenskan. He notched 25 points in 29 regular-season games and added seven points in 16 playoff contests to seal promotion.Speaking during the NHL Scouting Combine in June, Frondell showed unmistakable pride in his team.

“Djurgarden is the best team to play for ever,” he said at the event. “Biggest team in Stockholm, in Sweden. Huge arena, and our fans are crazy. ... It’s so cool to play there.”But even as he remains committed to Djurgarden for now, his goal is crystal clear. During Blackhawks development camp this summer in Chicago, Frondell spoke candidly about what comes next.“My dream is to play in the NHL,” he said at camp. “I want to do it as soon as possible.

So if I get a chance to be at the camp, fighting for a spot on the team, that’s my dream, that’s what I want to do. If I don’t make it, I’m going back to play with Djurgarden.”Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson explained in Chicago why the team was so eager to secure him with the No. 3 pick.

“I think he's a really smart hockey player,” Davidson said. “I think he uses his body very effectively, especially in battles along the wall.

He just has a really projectable game to the NHL. He plays a skill game, he can play a heavy game, he can play it any way you want, and so we’re really excited about that.”The enthusiasm for Frondell has been echoed internationally. Before the draft, NHL Central Scouting’s director of European scouting, Jukka-Pekka Vuorinen, offered a vivid assessment.“I would call Frondell a military tank,” Vuorinen said. “He is a strong player with strong legs, which shows up in his strong skating.

He wins most of the 1-on-1 battles with his attitude, power, and quick stick.“He delivers intelligent passes and is a real asset, especially on the power play. He has a nifty wrist shot, and his one-timer release is solid and accurate. His hockey IQ shines with or without the puck.”

Swedish star Anton Frondell aims to power Chicago Blackhawks’ NHL resurgence

When the Blackhawks put pen to paper on Frondell’s entry-level deal on Tuesday, it was about much more than numbers or rankings. They see a player whose gritty, intelligent, and adaptable style is built for NHL demands—whether he’s battling along the boards or setting up on the power play. While Frondell is expected to continue his development with Djurgarden in the Swedish Hockey League this season, Chicago fans will be watching every step as their top NHL Draft 2025 pick inches closer to making his dream come true.Also Read: Nikolai Kovalenko’s NHL journey hits pause as he signs two-year deal with CSKA Moscow