Blackhawks take top-ranked European Anton Frondell at No. 3
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The Chicago Blackhawks snagged center Anton Frondell with the third overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft on Friday.
Frondell stands out in the draft class with his pro build and heavy game. He played against men in Sweden's second-tier Allsvenskan this past season and produced.
His 0.86 points per game in 2024-25 ranks ahead of what William Nylander and David Pastrnak accomplished while in Allsvenskan during their draft years. Only Elias Pettersson produced at a higher rate.
The bulk of Frondell's scoring came during a 12-game stretch from late January to mid-March when he tallied nine goals and 21 points. He recorded four points in the other 17 contests. Djurgarden also used Frondell as a 13th forward near the end of the campaign as the club pushed for promotion.
Frondell featured on the left wing this season but has played center at the junior level and projects as a pivot long term.
What they're saying
"When he's at his best, Frondell is a hard-driving forward who can get to the interior and score goals," wrote FloHockey's Chris Peters. "He's committed to two-way ability and physicality to impose his will on games."
"He arguably has the best one-timer from the weak side flank on the power play in the draft class," Sportsnet's Jason Bukala wrote. "Frondell tracks up and down the ice with ease and has the strength and weight to extend plays in the trenches."
"Frondell projects as a productive two-way second-line center in the NHL with continued development," wrote The Athletic's Scott Wheeler.