By Sonny Sachdeva
Among the players available in the 2025 NHL Draft, Anton Frondell stands out as one who could potentially cause future regrets for the teams that decide not to select him early.
The 18-year-old Swede presents a complex evaluation for scouting departments. He displays exceptional, perhaps elite, talent but lacks the consistency of a sure-fire prospect. This makes teams question just how early in the draft they should take a chance on him. Frondell undoubtedly possesses promise, highlighted by his impressive raw skills, NHL-ready physical size, and abundant confidence. However, his history shows an inconsistent ability to consistently apply these valuable tools.
For teams selecting high in the first round, the main question is whether they believe strongly enough in Frondell`s potential to overlook his periods of quiet performance. Do the flashes of high-end skill he has demonstrated outweigh the concerns about consistency? Some analysts predict Frondell will be drafted towards the end of the top 10, while others believe he could be selected as high as second overall.
Regardless of where he lands, it seems fitting that he will likely be one of the first prospects to hear his name called on Draft day. Those who have shared the ice with him can attest to his abilities.
“He’s an amazing player,” said Viktor Klingsell, who played alongside Frondell at the U-18 World Championship in May, during the Draft Combine. “He’s for sure got every tool in his game. He’s got the size, he’s got the puck control, he’s got the off-ice skills.”
“He’s for sure going to be a star in the NHL one day,” Klingsell added.
- Team: Djurgårdens IF
- Position: Centre
- Shoots: Left
- Hometown: Trångsund, Sweden
- Age: 18 (May 7, 2007)
- Height: 6-foot-1
- Weight: 205 pounds
WHAT THE SCOUTS ARE SAYING
One aspect of Frondell`s skill set that is already widely recognized and sets him apart is his shooting ability.
“In my opinion, he is the most elite pure shooter in the draft class,” wrote Jason Bukala, formerly the director of amateur scouting for the Florida Panthers, about Frondell in March. “His skill-set, hockey sense, and pace allow coaches to deploy Frondell at the centre-ice position or on the wing. He’s already strong enough for the pro game.”
Bukala continued, “Frondell is a difference-maker offensively, and a game-changer who craves having the puck on his stick in big moments.”
The young center`s exceptional shot leads Bukala to believe Frondell could be drafted as high as No. 2, with the scout describing the Swede’s potential as a top-line NHL center or winger as “undeniable.”
However, the primary criticism against Frondell is his inconsistency. While he had strong production in the Swedish league this past season, scoring 25 points in 29 games for Djurgårdens IF, which puts him in similar company to players like David Pastrnak and William Nylander at the same age in Sweden, his performances on the international stage were less impressive.
“Depending on who you ask in the NHL, he’s either a future franchise centre or a solid middle-six contributor,” wrote Corey Pronman of The Athletic regarding Frondell. “Scouts are split, with some seeing him worthy of a top-three selection, while others view him somewhere between six and 10.”
Those with a more optimistic view believe Frondell has the potential to develop into a Selke-caliber player—a responsible leader who can also provide elite offense. Others express concern that his career might follow a path similar to Elias Pettersson, experiencing fluctuations between dominant stretches and periods of less impact at the NHL level.
In a recent mock draft earlier this month, both Adam Kimelman and Mike Morreale projected Frondell to be selected third overall by Chicago. In mid-May, Sam Cosentino projected Frondell going fourth, which would mean joining Utah.
HOW A LOVE OF TENNIS HELPED GROW FRONDELL`S NET-FRONT GAME
A common debate in hockey development is whether young players should specialize early or participate in multiple sports to build diverse skills transferable to the ice. Many elite NHL players credit experiences in sports like baseball or lacrosse for helping develop key on-ice abilities.
Frondell falls into this category. While he has clearly established himself as a top prospect on the ice and is on the verge of a promising NHL career, hockey is not his only athletic pursuit.
“I really love racket sports,” he mentioned at the Draft Combine. “All kinds—tennis, squash, badminton, paddle. I haven’t tried pickleball, it’s not a thing in Sweden yet. I will probably bring it over [there].”
Frondell explained that his father played tennis, which sparked his own interest in court sports. But it`s more than just a summer hobby—this passion for racket sports has provided Frondell with an advantage on the ice, particularly in one significant area.
“Probably hand-eye coordination,” he said. “I’m good at tipping pucks, and probably that comes from the racket and the ball.”
FRONDELL HOPING TO FOLLOW IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF A FLORIDA GREAT
For a prospect whose ultimate potential is hard to predict, the comparison to an established NHL player—a vision of what the raw talent might become—carries significant weight.
Scouts and analysts often project Frondell as a potential top-tier two-way center. The 18-year-old himself appears to agree with this assessment. When asked at the combine who he models his game after at the NHL level, Frondell responded without hesitation:
“[Aleksander] Barkov, the Florida captain,” the teenager stated confidently. “Good size, strong, good hockey sense, smart player. Likes to compete. I would say Barkov. I play like him.”
If Frondell`s self-assessment proves accurate, he would be a huge success for the team that drafts him. Over his 12-year career, Barkov has solidified his position as one of the league`s premier two-way talents, having won the Selke Trophy three times while also contributing high-level offensive production.
Crucially, the Panthers captain`s well-rounded game has been instrumental in leading Florida to three consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearances and two championships. If the young Swede can develop into even half the impact player Barkov has become, he would still be a significant NHL star.
Frondell told Ryan Dixon that he bases his playing style on the Panthers` leader. Fittingly, when asked which NHL record he would most like to hold by the end of his career, Frondell gave a response typical of someone aiming for Selke recognition:
“Is there a record for most killed penalties?”
Tristan Blackwood