Chicago Blackhawks’ top prospect Anton Frondell is set to make his NHL debut against the New York Islanders. The 18-year-old got the call from the Blackhawks shortly after his team was eliminated from the Swedish hockey league playoffs on Saturday, signalling his move to North America.
“I was shocked,” Frondell said about the quick turnaround. He will be thrust straight into the action on Tuesday.
Frondell’s Immediate Integration into Blackhawks Line-Up
Frondell will not only be making his debut but will also slot into a prominent role. He is set to play on Chicago’s top line alongside Connor Bedard and will be part of the first power play unit. Drafted nine months ago with the third pick, Frondell is getting significant ice time immediately.
Bedard, the face of the franchise, expressed his support for the decision. “Just throw him in there and give him the minutes, power play and just have him in the same role he was playing in all year,” Bedard said.
Coach Jeff Blashill wants Frondell to “capitalize on the confidence he has coming into the league.” The coach believes in throwing Frondell in at the deep end to see how he handles it.
“If I didn’t think he could handle the spots that I’m putting him in, I wouldn’t do it right away because you don’t want to set somebody up for struggles,” Blashill said. “I think he can handle it, and I think he’s prepared at this moment to walk in and be successful in those spots.”
Facing Schaefer: A Familiar Foe
Frondell’s first game will see him face Matthew Schaefer, now an Islanders defenseman. The two got to know each other during the pre-draft process. Schaefer was the first pick and “has since shown why.”
Schaefer is the front-runner for the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year and a key reason for New York’s playoff push.
Bedard is impressed with Schaefer. “It’s really fun to watch what he does,” Bedard said of Schaefer. “For someone to step in like that and do what he’s doing, it’s incredible. … He’s among elite company of players in the league.”
Bedard and Macklin Celebrini are already considered to be in that elite company. Michael Misa is also more than 30 games into his rookie year.
Frondell’s Preparation and Boisvert’s Potential Debut
Frondell didn’t have a full training camp leading up to his debut. However, he brings experience from playing in the top league in Sweden. This is similar to what Auston Matthews did in Switzerland before being drafted No. 1 by Toronto in 2016.
“Playing pro hockey, playing men, it’s good — competing, battling,” Frondell said. “Everyone was stronger, I felt like, and it was experienced players who know how to battle in the corners. They know how to use their body. So, sometimes I felt like I got run over a couple times and tried to learn from it. It’s a hard game, hockey. You need to battle, and I like to do that.”
Sacha Boisvert is also potentially close to joining the league. Blashill said Boisvert “will for sure play on this trip.”
Following the game against the Islanders, the Blackhawks are scheduled to visit the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday.