One of the top prospects in the NHL is now set to make his NHL debut.
The Chicago Blackhawks have recalled forward Anton Frondell from Djurgårdens IF of the Swedish Hockey League, the team announced on Tuesday.
Frondell was taken third overall by the Blackhawks in 2025 and was then signed to a three-year entry-level contract last summer.
The 18-year-old has racked up 28 points (20 goals, eight assists) in 43 games this season, leading all SHL rookies and players on his team in scoring. He also sits second among first-year SHLers in total points and fourth on Djurgardens.
Frondell became just the fourth 18-year-old in league history to score at least 20 goals in a season, and first since Hall of Famer Daniel Sedin in 1998-99.
The young Swede also helped his country bring home a gold medal at the world junior championships in January (posting a team-best five goals and three assists), and kept up his strong play with Djurgardens, scoring in 10 of his last 18 regular-season games before the team was eliminated in the first round of the SHL playoffs.
And while an expected debut date has not yet been set, Blackhawks head coach Heff Blashill said on Sunday that "we hope as soon as possible."
“Probably in his situation, based on the level of play he's had all year, how well he's played the last part of the year ... I'm a 'gonna throw him into the fire' kind of coach,” Blashill added.
The Blackhawks return to action on Tuesday as they visit the New York Islanders.
— With files from the Associated Press
