The Chicago Blackhawks have plenty of questions to address in the coming months as they prepare for an important 2025-2026 season. Experts believe the plan is straightforward. After their infusion of veteran free agents last season didn't move the needle, the team will shift gears to giving their young players every chance to play. It will be a season of gaining experience and growing from it. That is why many feel the Blackhawks are destined for one more down year, ensuring a lottery pick in the loaded 2026 draft. Everything starts with Anton Frondell.
The Blackhawks' #3 overall pick is central to their future. However, people are unsure what the team plans to do with him this year. There are two possibilities. One is, of course, staying in Chicago and earning a spot on the team where he can perhaps climb his way into the top six. The other is returning to Sweden to play one more year with Djurgården. Scott Powers of The Athletic revealed how he believes it will go.
Based on what he's heard, it would be surprising if Frondell isn't on the roster following the preseason.
The more I hear about what the Blackhawks think of No. 3 draft pick Anton Frondell, the more I think he’s going to stick with them out of training camp. How he does in the Tom Kurvers Prospects Showcase could be an early indication...
...In the case of Frondell, the Blackhawks are likely going to give him every opportunity to make the team, meaning he’ll likely play in a lot of preseason games, too. With the focus being so much on development and playing the young players this season, there’s really no downside for him being in the NHL.
Anton Frondell has everything in front of him.
The Blackhawks believe he brings a different dimension to the team they've lacked. He has tremendous versatility on both ends of the ice and a more physical presence. If things develop as they hope, he could be the long-awaited partner for Connor Bedard that the team has sought. Anton Frondell has stated that he doesn't care where he plays. He feels confident enough in his ability to play center or wing without losing any effectiveness. If he proves that in the preseason, there is no question he'll stick on the roster.
From there, it will be up to new head coach Jeff Blashill to determine his development plan. He is no stranger to working with top-five picks, doing good work with Lucas Raymond in Detroit. Frondell might be the most talented prospect he has worked with to date. It should be fun to see how things go.
