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Former Blackhawk reveals the truth behind Chicago's 3rd overall selection of Anton Frondell
Photo credit: Chicago Blackhawks on X
A former member of the Chicago Blackhawks revealed the truth behind Anton Frondell's selection at the third overall pick at the last draft.
The Blackhawks had the third pick in the 2025 NHL Draft after a rough season and decided to select Swedish center Anton Frondell ahead of other top prospects like James Hagens. Now, thanks to insights from two-time Stanley Cup champion and fellow Swedish Johnny Oduya, we're learning what tipped the scale in Frondell's favor.
Oduya didn't give a full scouting report, but what he shared mattered just as much to the organization.
He mentionned how he could see the fire in his eyes, the caracter needed to win a Stanley Cup:
"When I meet young players, I tend to look for...the eyes on fire and the need and the want [to succeed]. That's really cool when it's connected to skill and hockey sense and all of the other stuff he has."
Chicago's front office, especially Norm Maciver, trusted Oduya's read on character-and Frondell made a strong impression, attracting comparisons with none other than Marian Hossa:
"In many ways, [Anton] has a lot of the characteristics Marian Hossa had. He's a very down-to-earth individual that has this light appearance. But he's still really hard-working and doesn't take himself too seriously. He knows what he can deliver."
That unique mix of personality and work ethic added to his appeal. Frondell also benefited from direct mentorship from another Hawks alum, Marcus Kruger, who played with him in Djurgården last season.
Kruger said:
"It's so noticeable: [Anton] has the whole package. He can skate, he can shoot, he can really shoot it, and [he has] hockey sense. But during this year it was the confidence that grew. That's why he could, in some games, really dominate."
For Chicago, it wasn't just about Frondell's stats or rankings, it was about who he is and how he fits into the culture they're building. Oduya sees the intangibles that suggest the Blackhawks found the right guy to help lead their next era.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 19 | 667 ANSWERS Former Blackhawk reveals the truth behind Chicago's 3rd overall selection of Anton Frondell Do you think Anton Frondell will become a full-time top-six NHLer? | ||
| Yes | 472 | 70.8 % |
| No | 195 | 29.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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