NHL News: Connor Bedard could have strong company on the Chicago Blackhawks next season

The disappointing season is now in the rearview for the Chicago Blackhawks, who struggled throughout a campaign that initially came with hopes of at least making a push for the playoffs. In response, Jeff Blashill’s team moved quickly during the recent draft, selecting a potential weapon to play alongside Connor Bedard next season.

Anton Frondell, selected with the No. 3 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, is already anticipating what his near future could look like. While he doesn’t yet have a guaranteed spot on the roster, he expressed his excitement about the opportunity to compete at the highest level.

During a recent media session a few days ago, one of the league’s top prospects made it clear that he intends to earn a spot on the roster and be ready to compete alongside his teammates from Day 1.

“My dream is to play in the NHL,” Frondell said during Blackhawks development camp this summer. “I want to do it as soon as possible. So, if I get a chance to be at (training) camp … and fight for a spot on the team, that’s my dream. That’s what I’ll do.”

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 at JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE on June 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

The confidence placed in Frondell

The selection of Anton Frondell in the latest draft was no coincidence. His performance in 16 playoff games with Djurgarden last season caught the attention of the Blackhawks. But it wasn’t just his stats—Chicago’s GM also highlighted other important aspects of Frondell’s game.

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In a recent conversation with the media, Kyle Davidson stated that the intelligence with which his new player approaches the game sets him apart from his peers.

“I think he’s a really smart hockey player,” Blackhawks general manager said. “I think he uses his body very effectively, especially in battles along the wall. He just has a really projectable game to the NHL, and I think he plays the game the way that it’s played, not only in North America on the small rink. I think he plays very heavy, hard, almost playoff hockey. So I think that’s something we were really excited to add.

“He plays a skill game, he can play a heavy game, he can play it any way you want, and so we’re really excited about that.”