Anton Frondell is off to a fast start with Blackhawks

After Tuesday night's victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins, Anton Frondell topped the rookie leaderboard in points and assists. Not only did he log two assists, but he was tasked with facing off against the Crosby line for the entire evening. Frondell's line scored two goals while allowing two goals.

Coming into the 2026-2027 season, Frondell entered the year with lofty expectations. He ended last year's campaign with 12 games played and three goals and six assists. This year, he has slotted into the second-line center role for the majority of the season and has found good chemistry with Tyler Bertuzzi and Teuvo Teravainen on his wings.

In seven games this season, Frondell has one goal and is leading the Blackhawks with five assists and six points.

Early Calder Trophy favorite?

Through the early portion of the season, Frondell is leading in several statistical categories amongst his fellow rookie skaters. Along with leading in assists and points, Frondell ranks first in faceoffs won and second in time on ice behind fellow Blackhawk Roman Kantserov (among forwards).

By the end of the season, we may see other skaters such as Gavin McKenna, Ivar Stenberg, or James Hagens surpass Frondell's point total, but Frondell may have one of the most well-rounded games of all rookie forwards.

Faceoffs and defense

Last night against the Penguins (Oct. 13), Frondell was very successful at the faceoff dot, winning 14 of 23 faceoffs. The majority of these draws came against Sidney Crosby. In limited sample sizes, Frondell has improved his faceoff winning percentage from 30.2 percent last year to 45.7 percent so far this season.

He has earned the trust to take these important draws, as the majority of last night's faceoffs were taken in the defensive zone.

One aspect of Frondell's game that stands out this year is his forechecking and all-around 200-foot game. He has earned the trust of head coach Jeff Blashill to play in all scenarios, and this can be seen in his time spent on special teams and in high-leverage minutes. On last night's first goal, Frondell caused a turnover in the offensive zone and put the puck on a tee for Teravainen to score.

On the penalty kill this season, Frondell is ranked second on the team in forwards behind Jordan Greenway in shorthanded time-on-ice. Frondell was essential in helping to kill all four penalties last night as he won faceoffs, board battles, and got his stick into passing lanes. This type of play has endeared him to the coaching staff, which has resulted in plenty of ice time.

As said postgame:

"He's got a real good ability to check for offense, and he's still just growing and learning. He's just at the cusp of what he's going to be, and he's still a really young kid, so for him to do that [versus Crosby] is pretty impressive."

Head coach Jeff Blashill

Taking the next step

Frondell has been one of the most consistent skaters on the Blackhawks this season; however, there is room to improve as we move further along into the season.

With the top line of Connor Bedard, Patrick Kane, and Kantserov, there will be opportunities for Frondell's line to contribute offensively, as they will not be faced with the opposing team's top defensive units. If his line can add scoring depth, then there may be a way for the Blackhawks to win games and move up in the standings.

Frondell has showcased his speed, hands, and skill so far this season and has developed some chemistry with Bertuzzi by having both primary assists on his tap-in goals. He will not account for many power-play points as he is currently slated on the second unit, so the majority of his points will come at 5-on-5.

However, if Frondell continues to grow his game and stays on his current trajectory, then perhaps he could be seeing the Calder Trophy coming his way at the end of the season.

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