Meet The New Blackhawks: Q&A With Anton Frondell

The Chicago Blackhawks’ 2025 third overall draft pick, Anton Frondell, made his NHL debut on March 24 after coming over from a successful season with Djurgårdens IF in Sweden. He fared well in his 12-game NHL stint, notching three goals and nine points.

I spoke with 18-year-old Frondell at the Blackhawks morning skate ahead of their final game of the season against the San Jose Sharks on April 15.

Here is the Q&A conversation with one of the newest roster additions.

1. THW: What Stands Out To You About The City of Chicago So Far?

Frondell: “So many things.”

“First, I will say the weather is so much better than in Sweden. And good food, good restaurants, nice people. And the city is huge compared to Stockholm.”

2. THW: You Have A Tennis Background, Correct? Did You Grow Up Playing Tennis?

Frondell: “I played tennis for two or three weeks. It wasn’t more than that, but I’ve been playing every summer at my summer place a lot with my sister, my friends, my dad. So, I love it.”

“It’s a good summer sport.”

[Author’s Note: Frondell shared with Adam Kimelman of NHL.com in June 2025 that his father, Henrik, played tennis when he was younger.]

THW: Do You Watch Tennis At All?

Frondell: “Yeah, I usually like to watch when it’s like tournament finals, the gold medal game- like Wimbledon, US Open. And last games, it’s always (Carlos) Alcaraz and (Jannik) Sinner. So, I like those two.”

THW: Who Do You Think Is The GOAT Right Now? Alcaraz Or Sinner: Who’s Your Guy?

Frondell: “I don’t know who’s number one ranked. It feels like Sinner’s been like coming up really good the last couple of years here. But I just like Alcaraz, the way he plays. How fast he is. Like, he can cover the whole court. Wherever the ball lands, he’s there, and he never gives up. I like Alcaraz a lot.”

3. THW: What Has Been Your Biggest Takeaway From Your First Stretch of NHL Games?

Frondell: “I would say, obviously, the game. I mean, the NHL- how high level it is at every player I play against and the players I’m playing with. From where I’m used to back in Sweden, this year, I mean, this is so much faster and better hockey. I’m still young, and I have a lot to learn, and I already feel like… okay, I know I’m far away from being like good enough to really be a good player in this league. So I mean, I really just keep going, keep getting better…

“And also how luxury everything is. The flights, the food, locker rooms, and everything.”

4. THW: The Swede Connection In This Room With You, André Burakovsky, and Arvid Söderblom; How Fun Has That Been to Come in With All The Swedes?

Frondell: “I think it’s good for me having some Swedes here. Especially like the first couple days, you know, you’re new on the team, a little bit shy and stuff like that. You have them to talk to. And also, sometimes when I want to ask a question, and I forgot the word in English, I can ask them, and they can kind of be my translators if I have to. So, I mean, good for me to have them.

“Funny guys and my translators.” [chuckles]

5. THW: What Would You Say Is Your Greatest Strength As A Player?

Frondell: “I feel like on the ice, I love to work hard. I just feel like wherever you are on the ice, like, if it’s d-zone, o-zone, power play, or whatever it is, I love to compete, love to win loose pucks, trying to do everything for the team, you know. So, I’ll probably say that.

“And then when it’s day-offs or practice days, you know, I’m always looking at trying to find ways to work on my game, get better, work on small details after shooting pucks. So, I love hockey. I want to get better, and I’m trying to every day.”

By speaking with Frondell, you can see why the Blackhawks were high on him, given his work ethic, skill, and seemingly high character. He was so pleasant during our conversation.

The Blackhawks were impressed by his capabilities, moving him from wing to center in the top six, and his powerful shot is an asset for their offense and power play going forward. Head coach Jeff Blashill mentioned Frondell already had good pro habits and that he saw the game slow down for him.

Frondell is not a finished product, but the team is very optimistic that his two-way game will continue to develop well. And as shown in the conversation, he is far from satisfied.