Anton Frondell Signs His First NHL Contract with the Blackhawks

Anton Frondell was the first player to become a member of the Chicago Blackhawks’ 2025 draft class, and now he’s the first member of that class to earn an NHL contract. The third overall pick of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft signed his three-year, entry-level contract today, worth $975,000 per season.

There is a lot of excitement around the organization after drafting the 6-foot-1 center out of Sweden. He has the speed, on-ice awareness, hockey IQ, and complete 200-foot game to be a dynamic player for years to come. At 18, Frondell earned Rookie of the Year honors while winning a HockeyAllsvenskan championship by scoring 11 goals and 25 points in 29 games.

The next step is what the Blackhawks will do with Frondell this fall. There are those, including Scott Powers of The Athletic, who believe the Blackhawks will invite Frondell to the Tom Kurvers Showcase Prospect and training camp to assess whether he is NHL-ready. However, a report out of Sweden last week said Frondell will sign his ELC and then be loaned back to Djurgården to spend the season in the SHL. Half of that report has come true.

The Swedish report stated that Frondell will return to Sweden for the start of the SHL season, which is scheduled for September 13. If that’s the case, that means now Kurvers Showcase and no training camp. Frondell is eligible to play in the NHL, the AHL, or Sweden this upcoming season. If the Blackhawks want to have more control over his development and keep close to home, he’ll be here for training camp. Everyone has their opinion on how to handle the young forward’s development, but I have no issue with letting him show where he’s ready to play.