Blackhawks' 3rd overall pick Anton Frondell receives concerning demotion from Djurgarden

Anton Frondell was drafted third overall by the Chicago Blackhawks during the 2025 Draft, and his arrival in Chicago will be one of the most followed storylines of the next season.

For now, the player is developing with Djurgardens IF in the Swedish Hockey League, where he showed he can compete and perform on the ice against men.

After 21 games, the six-foot-one forward tallied 13 points including eight goals, ranking him fourth on his team for points. He is also leading the team by far in goal differential, with a +12, and the next best on the team being at +4.

Today, the team was back in action, and despite being among the most productive players on the team, a new concerning development emerged.

Djurgardens IF was back in action today for a game against Farjestad BK in the SHL, and before the game, Frondell's team announced that the Hawks prospect was demoted as the 13th forward.

Watch the full lineup and the announcement here:

Even though he's being used as 13th forward, that doesn't mean he won't play. In the SHL, extra forwards sometimes see action.

However, Frondell ranks 16th on his team for ice time per game, exposing a very concerning trend for young players drafted in the NHL developing in Europe. Despite being expected to be the first center for Sweden at the World Junior Championship next season, his team doesn't play in a development league, but one based on performances.

Do you think Djurgardens' decision is fair?