Blackhawks 2025-26 Player Grades: Anton Frondell

Anton Frondell began the 2025-26 season in Sweden with Djurgardens IF in the SHL. One of a few notable youngsters on the roster, Djurgardens made it to the postseason despite being eliminated early. That said, Frondell set a historical mark, becoming just the fourth 18-year-old to score 20 goals in a SHL season. After Djurgardens was eliminated, Frondell flew over to New York to join the Blackhawks and make his NHL debut.

Frondell made an immediate impact. Starting on the wing, Frondell moved to center down the stretch. No matter where he was playing, he was thriving. In just 12 games of work, Frondell tallied 9 points (three goals, six assists) and consistently made his presence felt on the ice. He meshed really well with Tyler Bertuzzi and Ilya Mikheyev on his flanks.

The small sample size feels like some foreshadowing of what’s to come for Frondell and the Blackhawks. Anton Frondell has the chance to become one of the faces of the franchise for years to come alongside names like Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar, as well as the newly-acquired Bowen Byram.

Player Grades

Blackhawks Cowboy’s Grade: A-

As I’ll mention again with Sacha Boisvert when he comes up, Frondell was one of two highly anticipated Chicago Blackhawks to make their debuts. And yes, “Frondeezy” delivered. In his 12-game stint with the Chicago Blackhawks, Frondell tallied 9 points. Good for most on the entire team during that span. Yes there are kinks to work out, but Frondell should be getting marked down by fans and media as a Calder favorite going into next season.

Tony Marchese’s Grade: B+

While it was only a small sample size, small is not a word to describe Anton Frondell’s game. After arriving from Sweden, the former first-round draft pick flashed all the tools that made him a top pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. The size, the shot, and the hockey IQ were on display immediately from game one, and it is hard to imagine a more impressive end-of-season debut than what Anton Frondell was able to do. Solid B+.

Ron Luce’s Grade: B+

Was it a small sample size? Yes. Was it really freaking good, regardless? Also yes. Anton Frondell was really good in limited action. He was solid offensively, played a grown man’s game, and played both the wing and center almost seamlessly. Frondell made mistakes defensively, but was so good he was able to correct himself mid play. He’s truly a special talent and a player the Blackhawks need to hold on to for his entire career.

What’s On Tap Next?

Frondell figures to be the Blackhawks’ second-line center behind Connor Bedard next season. He’ll also feature on the power play opposite of Bedard on the wings, and should be one of the top scorers for a hopefully-improved Blackhawks team. There will certainly be some growing pains in his first full season, but he has done everything right so far in the NHL.

Tell us if you agree with our grades! What would you give Anton Frondell? Let us know at @FourFeathersPod on X and Instagram!

Next Up: Andre Burakovsky