Swedish Prospects Frondell & Eklund Have 'Cool' NHL Combine Experience

“I actually do remember that movement,” Frondell chimed in. “Really good.” That joke drew an uproar of laughter from the media and a smile from his buddy. “Yeah, since we both moved to Djurgardens, is probably when we started knowing each other [better].” 

Eklund Fought for Playing Time Alongside Frondell in 2024-25

It was actually Eklund who lobbied head coach Robert Kimby for playing time alongside his draft-eligible compadre. “We didn’t get to do it at the start of this season,” Eklund stated. “We had to go tell the coach we needed to play [together]. I think I told him, like, 10 times.” Eklund stated that Kimby finally played the duo together starting in January. “I just knew from the beginning that if we get the opportunity, we’ll take it and we’ll be the best line. The coach probably got sick of me asking, so they finally put us together.” 

That decision led to 31 points in 42 games for Eklund and 25 points in 29 games for Frondell. “He wins every battle, even when we play against men,” Frondell said of Eklund’s play style. “Victor wins all the puck battles, and it’s just easy for me finding an open spot, and most of the time, I get the puck in the right place, right on the tape, so it’s easy for me.” 

A “Cool” NHL Combine Experience for Both Athletes

Starting at the beginning of the week, many NHL front offices have met and interviewed many of the 90 players that were scheduled to appear in Buffalo. “This whole week has been really cool,” Frondell told the media on Thursday night. “I also feel like my English has been getting a little better for every interview I have. Like the schedules, you have a lot of things to do, but it’s cool.”

Eklund used the same word – cool – to describe his experience in northern New York this week. ”This is something you’ve dreamt of ever since you were young,” Eklund said. “So, to be part of the mock rankings and start to realize you are soon to be drafted. It’s pretty cool.” 

Eastern Conference NHL Comparisons 

While neither player expects to play in the NHL next season, that hasn’t stopped the pair of teenagers from dreaming big when commenting on which NHL player they are most similar to. 

For Frondell, he said he’ll get to watch him skate on Friday in Game 2 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final. “I will see him play tonight,” Frondell said. “Barkov in Florida. Captain, good size, strong, and good hockey sense. [He’s] a smart player that likes to compete. I would say Barkov, I play like him.” Similar to Aleksander Barkov, Frondell hopes his compete level is his greatest attribute in the NHL. “It doesn’t matter if it’s a game or practice. I always compete. Winning is really important for me, and I work hard.” 

As for Eklund, he plays like a winger that can be located further up the Interstate 95 corridor with the Philadelphia Flyers. “Travis Konecny,” Eklund responded. “Definitely plays with a lot of energy. Tries to get under the skin of the opponent, and just plays pretty physical… like I do.” 

It will be fascinating to see where these two highly-prized first-round draft selections end up at the end of the month. It will be up to their individual teams on where Eklund and Frondell lace up the skates next season. As it sits right now, the duo is expecting to have at least one run at the SHL Title with Djurgardens IF in 2025-26.

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