Anton Frondell Shifts to Center as Blackhawks Rookie Adapts to NHL
NEWARK, N.J. — Eighteen-year-old Anton Frondell is experiencing a rapid life change. He was seven days into his NHL career on Sunday.
Early days and adjustments
Frondell described travel and team life as worlds apart from Sweden. He mentioned charter flights, luxury hotels and upgraded meals.
The pace of play surprised him. He also noted that everything is in English now.
Teammates have given him new nicknames. In Sweden he was “Frondy” or “Frodo.” In Chicago they use variations like “Frondizi” and “Fronzi.”
Position change to center
Coach Jeff Blashill shifted Frondell to center for the game against the New Jersey Devils. Frondell had played his first three NHL games on the wing.
He had some prior experience at center with Djurgården. That club often placed him on the wing to emphasize defensive reliability.
Blashill explained he wanted to evaluate the young player’s long-term role. He said Frondell has traits to be a strong 200-foot center.
Faceoffs and early performance
Faceoffs proved challenging at first. Frondell won one of his first four draws, then two of nine against the Devils.
He also made a play behind the net. Frondell stripped the puck from goalie Jake Allen and set up Ilya Mikheyev for a 1-0 lead.
The Blackhawks lost 5-3, but Frondell drew praise from Blashill for his puck strength and winning habits.
Offensive contributions and equipment
The Blackhawks rookie has shown creative passing in his first four games. He recorded a primary assist in his debut.
He later produced a spinning, no-look feed to Connor Bedard. Frondell called that play fortunate rather than planned.
His stick is notable. Djurgården supplied a CCM stock model that is hard to find. He brought roughly 15 sticks from Sweden.
Power play and lineup adjustments
With defenseman Artyom Levshunov sidelined, Blashill adjusted the top unit. He used five forwards up front on the power play.
The group featured Bedard at the top, plus Frondell, Frank Nazar, Teuvo Teräväinen, and Tyler Bertuzzi. They scored on a five-on-three chance.
Blashill said the alignment aimed to get the puck into Bedard’s hands more often.
Team defense and recent numbers
Chicago’s defense has yielded high chance totals. The club allowed a season-high 92 shot attempts on Sunday.
The previous high was 90 attempts versus the Islanders. Over a four-game road trip, they allowed 19 goals and 322 shot attempts.
Other totals included 168 shots on goal and 200 scoring chances at all strengths. At five-on-five, expected-goals rates were 29.86%, 29.25%, 23.78%, and 27.81%.
Frank Nazar scored twice against the Devils. Blashill stressed patience and learning for his young roster.
Injury update
Defenseman Artyom Levshunov missed the game. He played through pain for nearly three contests before imaging revealed a small fracture in his left hand.
The team planned further scans on Monday to determine his recovery timetable. Blashill praised Levshunov’s toughness.
Filmogaz.com will continue to monitor Frondell’s development. The staff will report how Anton Frondell shifts to center as Blackhawks rookie adapts to NHL play.
