Swedish journalist Gunnar Nordström reports that Anton Frontell, a center from Sweden and the third overall pick in this year’s NHL draft by the Chicago Blackhawks, is set to sign an entry-level contract with the team this week. According to Nordström’s article on the Swedish site Express, 18-year-old Frontell will sign a three-year deal worth $975,000 annually. However, Frontell plans to remain with Djurgården for the upcoming season and will skip Chicago’s training camp starting September 15th, aligning with his earlier contract extension with Djurgården in March.
Frontell expressed no hesitation in extending his stay at his hometown club, Djurgården, a team he has admired and supported since childhood. Last season, he tallied 25 points in 29 games in Sweden’s Allsvenskan league and added seven points in 19 postseason games. With Djurgården promoted to the top-tier SHL, Frontell is poised to face a higher level of competition next season.
Djurgården’s lineup for next season is also expected to feature promising 18-year-old winger Victor Ecklund, likely the 16th draft pick by the New York Islanders, as well as seasoned players like veteran center Marcus Kruger, two-time Stanley Cup winner with Chicago, Finnish right winger Jesse Illen, Swedish defenseman Gustav Lindström, and goalie Magnus Helberg. Additionally, 26-year-old defenseman Gustav Lindström recently signed a five-year contract extension with Djurgården, continuing his tenure with the Stockholm-based SHL team.
Fan Take: Anton Frontell’s decision to develop further in Sweden before joining the NHL demonstrates a smart pathway for young European talent, balancing growth and readiness. This approach not only strengthens Djurgården’s squad but also promises exciting future contributions to the NHL, highlighting the importance of international development in hockey’s evolving landscape.
