Anton Frondell could be the player in the 2025 NHL Draft that teams later regret passing on. The 18-year-old Swedish forward presents a challenge for scouting departments: he possesses exceptional, possibly elite talent, but isn`t a guaranteed success, making teams ponder how high is too high to select him. Frondell undeniably has potential, boasting raw yet impressive skills, NHL-caliber size, and confidence. However, he has also demonstrated inconsistency in combining these attributes effectively.
For teams picking early in the first round, the crucial question is whether they have enough faith in Frondell`s upside to overlook his less impactful periods and if the flashes of high-end promise are sufficient to warrant a high pick. Some draft analysts predict Frondell will land in the lower half of the top 10, while others believe he could be selected as early as second overall.
Regardless, it`s likely his name will be among the first called on Draft day, a sentiment echoed by those who have shared the ice with him.
Teammate`s Perspective
“He’s an amazing player,” remarked Viktor Klingsell, who played alongside Frondell at the U-18 World Championship in May, speaking to Sportsnet`s Ryan Dixon at 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.”
Player Information
- Team: Djurgårdens IF
- Position: Centre
- Shoots: Left
- Hometown: Trångsund, Sweden
- Age: 18 (May 7, 2007)
- Height: 6-foot-1
- Weight: 205 pounds
What Scouts Are Saying
One aspect of Frondell`s game that stands out clearly 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 and now with Sportsnet, 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.
“Frondell is a difference-maker offensively, and a game-changer who craves having the puck on his stick in big moments.”
Bukala`s high praise for the young center`s elite shot leads him to believe Frondell could be drafted as high as second overall, calling the Swede`s potential as a top-line NHL center or winger “undeniable.”
However, the primary concern regarding Frondell is his consistency. While he performed well in the Swedish league this season, scoring 25 points in 29 games for Djurgårdens IF – a pace comparable to past Swedish stars like David Pastrnak and William Nylander at a similar age – his international tournament performances were less impactful.
“Depending on who you ask in the NHL, he’s either a future franchise centre or a solid middle-six contributor,” noted Corey Pronman of The Athletic about 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 envision Frondell developing into a Selke-caliber player – a responsible leader with significant offensive contributions. Conversely, others worry he might experience ups and downs in the NHL, similar to Elias Pettersson`s occasional inconsistency.
Recent mock drafts reflect this range of opinion. Adam Kimelman and Mike Morreale of NHL.com projected Frondell to be taken third overall by Chicago, while Sportsnet`s Sam Cosentino`s mid-May projection had him going fourth to Utah.
How Racket Sports Influence His Game
A common debate in hockey development is whether young players should specialize early or engage in multiple sports. Many successful NHL players credit skills learned in sports like baseball or lacrosse for contributing to their hockey abilities.
Frondell belongs to the latter group. While he has become a top hockey prospect on the verge of an NHL career, hockey isn`t his only athletic pursuit.
“I really love racket sports,” he shared 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].”
He mentioned his father played tennis, sparking his own interest. This love for racket sports isn`t just a hobby; Frondell believes it provides him with a distinct advantage on the ice, particularly in one key area.
“Probably hand-eye coordination,” he stated. “I’m good at tipping pucks, and probably that comes from the racket and the ball.”
Frondell`s NHL Role Model
For a prospect whose potential is viewed with such variation, the comparison to established NHL players is often used to project his ceiling. Scouts and analysts frequently project Frondell as a high-end two-way center. The young player himself seems to agree with this assessment; when asked at the combine which NHL player he compares himself to, Frondell offered an immediate answer:
“[Aleksander] Barkov, the Florida captain,” the teenager responded matter-of-factly. “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 tremendous success for the team that drafts him. Aleksander Barkov has spent over a decade establishing himself as one of the game`s premier two-way forwards, winning the Selke Trophy multiple times while consistently producing high-level offense. Furthermore, Barkov`s balanced game has been central to Florida`s recent success, including three consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearances and two championships. If Frondell can develop into even half the impactful player Barkov has become, he would still be a significant star in the league.
Frondell confirmed he models his style after the Panthers` captain. This is further highlighted by his response when asked about an NHL record he`d like to hold by the end of his career – an answer fitting for a Selke hopeful:
“Is there a record for most killed penalties?”
