The Chicago Blackhawks have put a lot on the line with their third overall pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. Hoping Anton Frondell blossoms into a cornerstone centerman in the Windy City, the organization envisions its future led by the young Finn alongside stars like Connor Bedard. That duo, however, will have to wait, as Frondell won’t join Chicago for the 2025–26 season. Instead, he’ll be learning behind a two-time Stanley Cup champion.
It comes as no surprise to the Blackhawks: Frondell is still a work in progress. The 18-year-old isn’t quite ready for the NHL yet, and Chicago has no intention of burning him out by rushing his adaptation to the big leagues.
Therefore, Frondell’s reported decision to steer away from Bedard and company during the 2025-26 NHL season makes much sense. Plus, he will get a chance to learn more about the franchise and what it feels to win in it from a former Blackhawk, who hoisted two Stanley Cups in Chi-town.
Home is where the heart is
Frondell plans to play for Swedish club Djurgarden this upcoming season, as reported by Expressen. Moreover, the Finn reportedly won’t join Bedard and company for the Blackhawks’ training camp in September. Instead, he’ll be preparing for the start of the SHL—Sweden’s top tier—while donning the colors of his childhood club.
Anton Frondell poses for a portrait after being drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks with the third overall pick during the first round of the 2025 Upper Deck NHL Draft on June 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
“When I got the offer to stay, there was no doubt, no hesitation,” Frondell said when signing an extension at the Swedish club. “Everyone who knows me knows that this is the club that I want to play for as long as possible. I have been a Djurgarden fan since the day I was born and I have always looked up to those who have worn Djurgarden jerseys.”
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Fellow Blackhawk
While staying in Sweden, Frondell will play alongside veteran Marcus Kruger, who won two Stanley Cups (2013 and 2015) during his time with the Blackhawks. Kruger was selected with a fifth-round pick in the 2009 NHL entry Draft. He went on to play in 520 games with Chicago, recording 123 points (38 goals and 85 assists).
His most memorable moments in the Windy City include a triple-overtime game-winning goal in Game 2 of the Western Conference Final against the Anaheim Ducks. As well as a goal in Game 4 of the 2013 Stanley Cup Final against the Boston Bruins.
Pen to paper
While Frondell’s heartfelt admission about his childhood club might stir controversy and speculation around his future in Chicago, reports state that the teenager is set to sign his entry-level contract (ELC).
Connor Bedard of the Chicago Blackhawks looks on during a introductory press conference at Fifth Third Arena on June 30, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois.
“Anton Frondell will sign an entry-level contract this upcoming week with the Chicago Blackhawks. The 18-year-old will sign for three years at $975,000 per year, which is the maximum allowed for an entry-level deal according to the CBA,” per The Hockey News.
Check, please!
As incredible as it may seem, with Bedard’s contract extension reportedly pushed back to the summer of 2026, Frondell will, for now, be signed to a bigger deal than the former first overall pick from 2023. Bedard is entering the third and final year of his entry-level contract, valued at $2.85M with an average annual value of $950K.
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Since the CBA increased the maximum allowed for ELCs, Frondell would technically earn more than Bedard. However, because the prospect won’t spend the season with Chicago, his deal won’t begin counting yet.
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Of course, once Bedard and his camp actually sit down at the table to discuss his extension, the franchise’s lynchpin will no doubt command a deal that truly reflects how highly Chicago values its gem.
