Anton Frondell (via Getty Images) Chicago Blackhawks’ 2025 first-round NHL Draft pick Anton Frondell has confirmed he’ll remain in Sweden for the coming year and continue to develop with Djurgården of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). Drafted third overall, the highly regarded winger already intended to remain a year longer in Sweden before the draft, with all parties—involving his agent, family, and management at Djurgården—thinking a second year in Europe would be key in preparing him for the NHL down the road.
Anton Frondell puts SHL development before Chicago Blackhawks’ camp invite
Anton Frondell’s decision to sit out the Chicago Blackhawks’ training camp is motivated by a strategy of long-term development, one discussed nearly a year ago with Djurgården general manager Niklas Wikegård. Even when promotion for Djurgården from HockeyAllsvenskan to the SHL was not certain, it was already the plan for Anton Frondell to spend a full season in Sweden, league standing notwithstanding.Niklas Wikegård underlined that there was never any doubt about the intention. He pointed out that body and mind maturing in a demanding league of Europe would benefit the young striker more than a ruined season with constant shuttle flying between nations and clubs.“If we hadn’t talked to the junior team national coach, he would be with the junior national team now and then he would go to the camp with Chicago and then go back to us, and then in November go to another camp with the international team and then the junior World Championship and so on and so on,” Niklas Wikegård said. “So that’s going to be like a wasted season for a guy like that. So we talked to his agent and Chicago too—I think they understand it—that this guy, this type of player in this age, needs to go to the rink, put his physical clothes on, go to the gym, put his hockey gear on, practice day after day after day after day, and play games.”
Anton Frondell on Being Selected Third Overall | Chicago Blackhawks
Anton Frondell, at just 18 years of age, had a significant role in Djurgården’s promotion bid and already showed signs of being a top talent. However, his 2024 season was marred by its setbacks—recognizable through injuries and inconstancy typical of young players—and thereby reinforced the need for stability and focused development. Despite the Chicago Blackhawks’ willingness to entertain Anton Frondell’s preseason play, they had respect for his preference to remain in Sweden, even as they made it a formal invitation to camp. His entry-level contract negotiations included planning for development, and both sides were in agreement that quality minutes and consistent ice time in the SHL would be the soundest investment.
Niklas Wikegård optimistic about Anton Frondell’s trail of development
Djurgården plans to prominently feature Frondell this season, in their top three lines and on the power play. Wikegård dismissed the notion of relegating the young winger to a depth role, declaring in no uncertain terms that the plan is to deploy him in his natural, creative role, not on a checking line. Frondell’s physicality, hockey sense, and shooting are already indicative of a seasoned pro in the eyes of Wikegård. All that’s needed now is fine-tuning, most notably in defense reading and fighting for pucks. Towards that end, Djurgården has instituted an individualized developmental plan with extra practice, gym sessions, and twice-per-week coaching critiques focused on fundamentals and decision-making. Also read: NHL Rumors: Connor Bedard may get a powerful new linemate as Anton Frondell eyes opening night spot withAnton Frondell’s non-attendance at the Chicago Blackhawks camp is not a disappointment—it’s a carefully calculated plan for long-term success. Both his SHL team and NHL team have provided their support, and Swedish winger Frondell will take time in his comfort zone to make his game even stronger. If everything goes according to schedule, the Blackhawks can look forward to a more refined, NHL-ready Anton Frondell next season—stronger, sharper, and ready to play at the top level.