Anton Frondell's SHL season ends, NHL is the next stop

The Chicago Blackhawks' season has been a bit of a roller coaster. We’ve seen plenty of highs and lows. While the overall play has been better, especially from superstar Connor Bedard, the team hasn’t climbed any higher in the standings.

However, the final games of the year should be exciting. Much like last season, when Oliver Moore, Sam Rinzel, and Ryan Greene showed up, we will see more of the future down the home stretch. Nick Lardis should get more playing time, Sacha Boisvert will make his debut, and now Anton Frondell will be coming on board.

Frondell and Djurgarden had their season come to an end today with a 3-1 loss to Malmo. Now we wait to see when he trades in his yellow and blue of Djurgarden for the black and red of the Blackhawks.

Frondell Impresses Back Home

The Blackhawks selected Frondell with the third overall pick in last June’s NHL Entry Draft. He was quickly signed to his entry-level contract in July and was loaned to Djurgarden for the season. He scored 20 goals and 28 points in 43 regular-season games, becoming only the fourth teenager in Swedish Hockey League history to have a 20-goal season. He scored the overtime goal in Djurgarden’s lone playoff win. In the middle of the season, Frondell dominated at the World Junior Championship, scoring five goals and eight points, leading Sweden to the gold medal.

Frondell was drafted to be Bedard’s running mate on the top line, so he should slot right into that spot when he arrives. He will not only bring skill to the Blackhawks’ lineup, but size and strength, as well – two things they desperately need. He’s an excellent skater who wins one-on-one battles and has a very high hockey IQ.

And in case you’re wondering, Frondell took care of all his work visa paperwork when he signed in July, so there will be no delays in that department. We will get a bigger taste of the future down the home stretch. Boisvert and Frondell will give head coach Jeff Blashill elements that he currently doesn’t have. It should be fun to watch!