Anton Frondell (C, L, 6’0″, 199, Djurgardens J20, 05/07/2007)
Anton Frondell is a dual-threat forward who combines physicality, intelligence, and skill to impact the game in all situations. His ability to read the play and find soft spots in coverage makes him a consistent offensive threat, particularly in high-danger areas inside of the house. Frondell’s powerful shot, strong puck protection, and ability to create turnovers on the forecheck highlight his effectiveness as a modern-day power forward. While injuries and an overloaded schedule have impacted his consistency this season, his raw talent and hockey IQ position him as a potential top-5 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. Frondell projects as a versatile top-six forward at the NHL level.
Strengths
Hockey IQ and Vision:
Exceptional awareness and ability to read plays, making him a high-end playmaker.
Finds soft spots and quiet areas in defensive coverage, particularly on the power play, where he thrives as a one-timer option in the weakside dot.
Processes the game quickly, anticipating and reacting to plays at a pro level.
Offensive Versatility:
Dangerous scorer with a quick release and powerful shot, capable of scoring from tight areas and medium range.
Equally adept as a playmaker, utilizing his vision to create scoring chances for teammates in traffic.
Excels below the face-off dots while cycling and creating chaos near the net, leveraging his physicality to establish presence and his quick stick to convert secondary scoring opportunities.
Physicality and Compete Level:
Aggressive on the forecheck taking direct routes, forcing turnovers and disrupting opponents’ breakouts through his brains and physicality.
Uses his 6’1″, 190-pound frame effectively to win board battles and maintain puck possession.
Confidently engages physically, particularly in net-front and corner battles.
Skating:
Strong edges and lateral mobility allow him to gain separation from opponents after contact.
While not an elite straight-line skater, his powerful stride indicates he will gain both speed and quickness as he matures.
200-Foot Game:
Committed defensively, with a mature approach to backchecking and positional play.
Effective at disrupting plays in the defensive zone by using an active stick and anticipation. He transitions very quickly from defense to offense.
Areas for Improvement
Consistency:
Intensity and impact fluctuate from game to game and sometimes shift to shift.
Needs to bring a more dominant presence on a nightly basis to solidify his status as a top-5 draft pick.
Injury and Fatigue Management:
Injuries and a packed November schedule have affected his overall game and consistency.
Managing workload and staying healthy will be key to unlocking his full potential.
Offensive Dominance:
While highly effective in creating chances, Frondell has not consistently shown game-breaking ability relative to other potential top-10 2025 Draft prospects.
We would like to see him impose himself more and take over games to elevate his draft stock further.
Straight-Line Speed:
Although his skating edges are excellent, improving straight-line speed will make him a more dynamic threat on the rush.
Projection
Anton Frondell projects as a top-six forward at the NHL level, capable of playing both wing and center in all situations. His combination of physicality, hockey IQ, and offensive versatility make him a valuable asset, while his two-way commitment adds to his appeal as a well-rounded player. With continued development Frondell has the potential to be a core piece for an NHL team.
Draft Outlook: Top-5 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
Player Comparison: Gabriel Landeskog – A skilled, physical power forward with strong leadership qualities and the ability to excel in all areas of the game.
Get to know article published on 8/24/2024: Anton Frondell is a dynamic 6’0″, 200-pound left-shot center who is widely considered a top-5 prospect for the 2025 NHL Draft. His game is defined by his combination of size, speed, and strength, which he uses effectively in all three zones. Frondell excels at creating turnovers, winning puck battles, and driving offensive transitions. His strong and powerful skating, coupled with excellent agility and changes in speed, make him a constant threat to evade defenders and generate scoring opportunities.
Offensively, Frondell’s playmaking and goal-scoring abilities stand out. He possesses a dangerous quick-release snapshot, allowing him to score from areas that other players might struggle with. His soft first touch and deceptive puck movement make him a key contributor on the power play, where he often positions himself in front of the net to screen goaltenders and create opportunities. He is also fearless in attacking high-danger areas like the low slot and royal road, keeping his head up and consistently challenging defenders in traffic.
Frondell’s ability to win face-offs and his intelligence in both the offensive and defensive zones add further value to his game. On offensive zone draws, his teammates expect him to win, and he regularly delivers. He also demonstrates defensive reliability, showing keen awareness and attention to detail in his own zone. Frondell willingly retreats to support his defensemen and prevent odd-man rushes, showcasing his well-rounded skill set and hockey IQ.
A physical presence, Frondell is unafraid to finish checks on the forecheck and pin opponents along the boards in the defensive zone. His strength, balance, and effective puck protection skills are evident when cycling the puck, and he consistently wins 50/50 battles.
With his mix of size, skill, hockey sense, and leadership qualities, Anton Frondell projects as a versatile, impactful center at the NHL level, making him one of the most sought-after prospects in the 2025 draft class. His ability to excel in all situations and contribute both offensively and defensively makes him a player every NHL organization would covet.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images