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Surprise demotion strikes Chicago Blackhawks 3rd overall pick Anton Frondell in Sweden
Photo credit: NHL.com
The Chicago Blackhawks and GM Kyle Davidson have learned some troubling news regarding their 3rd overall pick in 2025, Anton Frondell, who has been demoted to the 3rd line on Djurgarden's junior hockey team.
Anton Frondell was touted as the next Aleksandr Barkov in the NHL.
The stout, two-way center was selected 3rd overall in 2025 by the Blackhawks.
A selection that places him in the top tier of NHL prospects.
However, there have been reports that the "Barkov of the Blackhawks" has been demoted by the Djurgarden's junior squad.
Did Kyle David waste his 3rd overall pick on him instead of selecting Caleb Desnoyers, Porter Martone, or James Hagens?
We'll soon find out.
Will the "Kid-line" in Djurgardens Hold? Anton Frondell and Victor Eklund Are Linemates Still
Djurgardens Jr. has placed both first-round picks, Victor Eklund (16th overall) and Anton Frondell (3rd overall), on the same line.
Instead of Viggo Björck flanking him on his left, a new name emerged on the depth chart: Albin Grewe (66th overall in 2019) has taken his spot.
We're astounded by the move, considering how great a season Frondell had with the team last year. In 29 games, he posted 11-14-25. This year it seems to be a slow start for Frondell, though his statistics say otherwise.
The Blackhawks' top prospect has scored an assist in 2 games in a season that's just begun. Is the issue truly Anton Frondell or the coaching staff?
We'll find out as the SHL season progresses.
Frondell recently inked his entry-level contract this offseason, paying him $975K over the next three seasons.
Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 20 | 307 ANSWERS Surprise demotion strikes Chicago Blackhawks 3rd overall pick Anton Frondell in Sweden Do you think center Anton Frondell's demotion by Djurgardens Junior is temporary? | ||
| Yes | 233 | 75.9 % |
| No | 74 | 24.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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