This rookie has been the one bright spot for the Chicago Blackhawks

The Chicago Blackhawks have had a rough start to the 2026-27 campaign. This isn't unexpected, due to the loss of their newly minted captain, Connor Bedard. The 21-year-old missed the first six games of the season due to injury, and there haven't been many bright spots for the Blackhawks thus far.

However, young forward Anton Frondell is probably the biggest good surprise for the Blackhawks at this point in the season. In fact, he's not just been a good surprise for the Blackhawks, he's already a early candidate for the Calder Trophy. With just eight games under his belt this season, Frondell is already earning his spot as team MVP to start the season.

Not a hot start for the Blackhawks

Going in to Thursday's game against the Winnipeg Jets, the Blackhawks found themselves last in the Central division with just four points. Before Bedard's return for Tuesday's Frozen Frenzy, the Blackhawks had just one win and five losses through six games.

They started off the season with three straight losses. In that span of games against the Golden Knights, Mammoth and Sabres, the Blackhawks gave up 15 goals and only scored five. Not exactly a reassuring stat. With Bedard out of the lineup, the offense didn't seem to click. Goaltending was shaky, whether it was Knight or Söderblom in net.

Things did start to look up when the Blackhawks returned from their road trip. In Patrick Kane's return to the United Center, the Blackhawks beat the Blues 4-2. They then lost to the New York Islanders and Carolina Hurricanes, once again surrendering nine goals while only scoring three.

Bedard's return, though, did help the Hawks to find their winning ways. The Blackhawks beat the Penguins 5-3, scoring the most goals they've had in a single game yet this season. Bedard being back, of course, helped the Blackhawks to find their footing again. They won their second consecutive game Thursday night (Oct. 15), a 4-3 overtime win over the Winnipeg Jets.

Perhaps most importantly from these first six games, especially without Bedard, was a chance for other Blackhawks' players to shine. While not many did, one who did stand out was Frondell.

Frondell's early season success

After only playing 12 games in the 2025-26 season, Frondell entered his rookie season in the 2026-27 campaign, and has arguably been the Blackhawks' best player.

Last season, he had three goals and six assists across 12 games. This year, he already has six points through just eight games. He leads all NHL rookies in assists and points, and leads the Blackhawks in those categories as well.

With Bedard out of the lineup, Frondell has risen to fill that gap. Head coach Jeff Blashill clearly has faith in his ability at the faceoff dot, pairing him against Sidney Crosby in the Blackhawks' 5-3 win over the Penguins. At the dot that night, Frondell won 14-of 23-faceoffs. He has improved his faceoff percentage from last year as well, up to 46.2% from 30.2%.

The Blackhawks' have also trusted him on the penalty kill and have been impressed by his play. With Bedard's return, Frondell may see less of these opportunities, but the more he can take advantage of them, the better he and the Blackhawks will be. Any extra help the Blackhawks can get from players not named Bedard will surely be welcomed by the team and fans alike.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow