The Chicago Blackhawks have selected Swedish forward Anton Frondell with the 3rd overall pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. The selection is seen as one that was made with Connor Bedard in mind.

Frondell, an 18-year-old center/winger, played last season with Djurgårdens IF in HockeyAllsvenskan, the second-highest professional league in Sweden. He recorded 11 goals and 14 assists for 25 points in 29 games and also tallied 3 goals and 4 assists for 7 points in 16 playoff games.

Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing around 200 pounds, Frondell is considered a dual-threat forward who combines physicality, intelligence, and skill. He is a strong player with strong legs, displaying excellent balance in his skating. Scouts praise his competitiveness, puck-handling skills, and hockey IQ. He wins most of his 1-on-1 battles using his attitude, power, and quick stick, and delivers intelligent passes. Frondell also possesses a nifty wrist shot and a solid, accurate one-timer.

While he has primarily played wing for Djurgårdens IF, he has played center for the Swedish national team. Scouts project him as a versatile top-six forward with the potential to be a very productive second-line center in the NHL. Chicago will give him every opportunity to play center.

Frondell has made a significant impression on the international stage as a leading scorer for Sweden's U18 team. In 19 appearances, he recorded eight goals and 10 assists, including three points in five games at the 2025 World Junior Championships.

Some scouts draw comparisons between Frondell and Aleksander Barkov, noting his defensive skillset and work away from the puck. While acknowledging Barkov's elite status, Craig Button noted that Frondell plays a similar style of game, describing him as a complete, two-way player who can play heavy, skilled, fast, and contribute both offensively and defensively. Others have compared him to Leo Carlsson.

Concerns have been raised about Frondell's skating and his starting speed, as well as his overall dynamism and ceiling. He also dealt with some leg injuries this season. Some scouts question his ability to be a play-driver at center in the pros. However, his strengths and potential have made him a highly sought-after prospect. Jukka-Pekka Vuorinen, NHL Central Scouting director of European scouting, described Frondell as a "military tank".