Meet the New Blackhawks: Q&A With Anton Frondell – Hockey Writers – Chicago Blackhawks

The Chicago Blackhawks’ 2025 third-round pick, Anton Frondell, made his NHL debut on March 24 after a successful season with Sweden’s Djurgårdens IF. He performed well in his 12th NHL game, scoring three goals and nine points.

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

Here’s a Q&A discussion with the newest additions to the list.

1. THW: What has stood out to you about the City of Chicago so far?

Frondel: “Many things.”

“First of all, I will say that the weather is much better than in Sweden. And good food, good restaurants, good people. And the city is big compared to Stockholm.”

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

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

“A good summer game.”

[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?

Frondel: “Yeah, I usually like to watch when it’s like a tournament final, a gold medal match – like Wimbledon, US Open. And the final matches, 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?

Frondel: “I don’t know who’s ranked No. 1. It feels like Sinner’s been pretty good coming up the last few years here. But I like Alcaraz, the way he plays. The way he’s fast. Like, he can cover the whole court. Wherever the ball is, he’s there, and he doesn’t give up. I like Alcaraz a lot.”

3. THW: What was your biggest takeaway from your first NHL expansion?

Frondel: “I would say, obviously, the game. I mean, the NHL- how high is the level of all the players I play with and the players I play with. Since I used to go back to Sweden, this year, I mean, this is the fastest and best hockey. I’m still young, and I have a lot to learn. I feel like, okay, I know I’m far enough to be a good player, so I mean I’ve been a really good player. keep getting better.

“And how luxurious everything is. The flights, the food, the changing rooms, everything.”

4. THW: The Swedish Connection In This Room With You, André Burakovsky, and Arvid Söderblom; How Much Fun Was It Going In With All The Swedes?

Frondel: “I think it’s good for me to have Swedish people here. Especially like the first few days, you know, you’re new to the team, you’re a little shy and things like that. You have to talk to them. And also, sometimes when I want to ask a question, and I forget a word in English, I can ask them, and they can be my translators if I have to understand.

“Funny guys and my translators.” [chuckles]

5. THW: What would you say is your greatest strength as a player?

Frondel: “I feel like when I’m on the ice, I like to work hard. I feel like wherever you’re on the ice, like, if it’s the d-zone, o-zone, power play, whatever, I like to compete, like to win loose pucks, try to do everything for the team, you know. So, I’ll probably say that.

“And if it’s days off or practice, you know, I’m always looking to try to find ways to work on my game, get better, work on the little details after shooting pucks. So, I love hockey. I want to get better, and I try every day.”

Speaking with Frondell, you can see why the Blackhawks were high on him, given his work ethic, ability, and seemingly superior character. He was very happy during our conversation.

The Blackhawks were impressed with his skills, moving him from wing to center in the top six, and his strong shooting is an asset to their offense and power play going forward. Head coach Jeff Blashill said Frondell already has good habits and saw the game slow down for him.

Frondell is not a finished product, but the team has high hopes that his two-way game will continue to improve. And as shown in the interview, he is not satisfied.