Anton Frondell is a player in the 2025 NHL Draft who has the potential to be a source of regret for teams that pass on him early on. If any prospect currently projected in the top 10 could make clubs wonder what they missed, it might be him.
At 18 years old, this Swedish center presents a complex evaluation challenge for scouting departments. He demonstrates raw but impressive skill, possessing NHL-caliber size and ample confidence. However, his history shows moments where these tools haven`t consistently come together.
For teams drafting high in the first round, the crucial question is whether they believe sufficiently in Frondell`s potential to overlook the occasional quiet stretches. Do the flashes of high-end promise he`s shown warrant taking a chance on him early? Some analysts predict Frondell could slide towards the lower end of the top 10 selections, while others believe he could be drafted as high as second overall.
Regardless of his final draft position, it`s fitting that his name will likely be among the first announced on Draft day. Those who have shared the ice with him certainly attest to his abilities.
Viktor Klingsell, who played alongside Frondell at the U-18 World Championship in May, described him as “an amazing player.” Speaking at the Draft Combine, Klingsell noted, “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.”
Klingsell confidently added, “He`s for sure going to be a star in the NHL one day.”
Prospect Profile:
- Team: Djurgårdens IF
- Position: Centre
- Shoots: Left
- Hometown: Trångsund, Sweden
- Age: 18 (May 7, 2007)
- Height: 6-foot-1
- Weight: 205 pounds
Scout Analysis
One aspect of Frondell`s skill set is universally recognized as exceptional and sets him apart.
Jason Bukala, a former director of amateur scouting, stated in March that Frondell is “the most elite pure shooter in the draft class.” Bukala added that Frondell`s combination of skills, hockey sense, and pace allows coaches to utilize him effectively at either the center or wing position, and he possesses the physical strength needed for the professional game already.
Bukala sees Frondell as an offensive catalyst, a player who can change the course of a game and thrives on having the puck in critical moments.
Frondell`s outstanding shot leads Bukala to believe he could potentially be selected as high as second overall, referring to the Swedish forward`s potential as a top-line NHL center or winger as “undeniable.”
However, a common critique regarding Frondell focuses on his consistency. While he performed well statistically in the Swedish league this season, accumulating 25 points in 29 games for Djurgårdens IF – a production rate comparable to players like David Pastrnak and William Nylander at the same age in Sweden – his performances on the international stage were sometimes underwhelming.
Corey Pronman of The Athletic highlighted the divided opinions among scouts, noting, “Depending on who you ask in the NHL, he’s either a future franchise centre or a solid middle-six contributor.” Perspectives range from deeming him worthy of a top-three pick to placing him somewhere between sixth and tenth overall.
Those with a more optimistic view anticipate Frondell developing into a Selke-calibre player – a responsible leader who also provides significant offensive contributions. Conversely, others express concern that his career trajectory might feature the kind of inconsistency seen at times from players like Elias Pettersson at the NHL level.
Recent mock drafts reflect this variance. Adam Kimelman and Mike Morreale projected Frondell going off the board at No. 3, while Sam Cosentino projected Frondell going fourth.
Tennis Connection: How Racket Sports Sharpened His Game Near the Net
A central debate in modern hockey development is whether young players should specialize solely in hockey or participate in various sports to acquire diverse skills applicable to the ice. Many elite NHL players credit their experiences in other sports like baseball or lacrosse for helping them build key aspects of their game.
Frondell aligns with this perspective. While he has established himself as a top-tier prospect in hockey and appears poised for a promising NHL career, hockey is not his only athletic pursuit.
At the Draft Combine, he mentioned, “I really love racket sports. 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.”
Frondell explained that his father grew up playing tennis, sparking his own interest in court sports. However, this affinity is more than just an off-season hobby; he believes racket sports have given him a distinct advantage on the ice, particularly in one important area.
He attributed it to “Probably hand-eye coordination,” adding, “I’m good at tipping pucks, and probably that comes from the racket and the ball.”
Aiming to Emulate a Florida Panthers Star
For a prospect whose potential is still somewhat difficult to definitively project, comparisons to established NHL players are often used to paint a picture of what a raw, young talent might eventually become.
While scouts and analysts frequently peg Frondell as having the potential to develop into a top-tier two-way center, the 18-year-old himself seems to share this view. When asked at the combine about which NHL player he compares himself to, Frondell`s answer was immediate and direct:
“Barkov, the Florida captain,” he stated matter-of-factly, referring to Aleksander Barkov. “Good size, strong, good hockey sense, smart player. Likes to compete. I would say Barkov. I play like him.”
If the young center`s self-assessment proves accurate, he would be an undeniable success for the team that selects him on Draft day. Over his extensive career, Barkov has become recognized as one of the game`s premier two-way talents, earning the Selke Trophy multiple times while also contributing significantly to his team`s offense. Crucially, the Panthers captain`s well-rounded game has been a driving force behind Florida`s recent success, including consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearances and championships. If Frondell can develop into even half the impactful player Barkov has become, he would still be a significant NHL star.
Frondell mentioned that he models his game after the Panthers leader. True to this defensive focus, when asked which NHL record he would most like to hold by the end of his career, Frondell responded as a Selke hopeful might:
“Is there a record for most killed penalties?” he inquired.
