Well-rounded, hardworking Swedish center with strong defensive habits and questionable offensive ceiling at the NHL level, sounds a bit too much like Lias Andersson, although obviously with better skating.
F Anton Frondell - Djurgårdens IF U16, U16 Div.1 (2025 Draft)
- Thread starter MMC
- Start date
Jay Gray
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Zibanejad was an elite skater in his prime. Slowed down now but no way I see Frondell ever having that mobility.
Imagine Lias is he was bigger with better skating, had much better hockey IQ, a fantastic shot, much better hands... Starting to not sound so much alike, eh?
Lias Andersson at the same age scored 0 points in 22 games in the SHL while Frondell just had the highest points per game ever for an U18 player in Hockeyallsvenskan, beating out Pastrnak and Nylander. Pretty substantial difference production wise. Frondell is also better at just about every aspect of playing hockey. Only similarity is that they are both Swedish.
Andersson had 19 points in 42 SHL games as a draft eligible, same season as Frondell just had. He did at 8 months older yea, but that 0 in 22 in the SHL would've been 5 months younger than Frondell currently is. Just for full context.
Don't need to omit info to prop up a player you like.
Yeah but Andersson was 18 during his draft year while Frondell currently is 17 during his. During their respective draft years Andersson had played a full year more of hockey. That’s why I put Frondells D+0 vs Anderssons D-1. Just as I would compare McKennas current season to Bedards draft year and so on. I know it’s not a perfect comparison but feels like it’s better than comparing their respective draft years. A full year more of playing hockey has to matter more than being 5 months older, right?
Good point! You can say the same thing about Frondell and his teammate Eklund who is an early October birthday vs Frondells early May. That's the reason I rank Frondell higher than him and some of the expected top 5.
Eye of Ra
Grandmaster General of the International boards
First game and already has his first point of the playoffs, Hävelid scores on the rebound of his shot.
Scored the OT goal to win G1!
After seeing his two interviews today, one pre recorded before the game or in the first intermission, and the second one after his OT winner, I also think he will ace his interviews with the NHL teams. Very impressive with his answers and pro mentality
This guy has been sensational the past 30 games. He may go as high as 2 now
Who's your untouchable #1?
IMO this draft doesn't have such a player ie. Frondell is worth considering at 1 OA.
Schaefer is my number 1. Hasn't played much this year but he's been by far the best player of the ice too many games he has played this year that I've watched. Given he's like 10 days eligible for next years draft, just more run way to hit his potential.
That being said I do agree with you, I have Misa and Frondell 2/3, but in the same tier as Schaefer, wouldn't bat an eye if someone ranked them ahead of him!
I just don’t see the ceiling with Frondell.
I’d be ok with him at 4/5, but 2/3 I don’t think there’s enough potential.
I think he’s a 60-70 point two way 2C, at his ceiling. Obviously a good player, but I like Misa and even Martones ceiling more.
I’d be ok with him at 4/5, but 2/3 I don’t think there’s enough potential.
I think he’s a 60-70 point two way 2C, at his ceiling. Obviously a good player, but I like Misa and even Martones ceiling more.
Level 2 Sweden is a much better level than NCAA. With a physical advantage, Frondell is clearly ahead of Hagens.
Third in my mind right now. I've never heard a single podcast mention a red flag in his game.
Third in my mind right now. I've never heard a single podcast mention a red flag in his game.
If they win the playoffs. Right now its the quarter-finals.
I’m not sure I quite get the “low (relatively) ceiling” talk here. He’s more efficient than flashy but that doesn’t mean low ceiling to me or not dynamic to me. He’s a deadly shooter and it looks like he’s dangerous from almost anywhere on the ice. His IQ and anticipation make him equally good as a playmaker. He’s clearly really strong on the puck - but not because of dominating size against junior players, he’s strong in a way that seems translatable at each level.
Plus I think he’s clearly got the “it” factor with his maturity, work ethic and approach to the game. His development after coming back from a tough injury has been impressive and the way he has earned his coach’s praise and playing time in a situation that, again, is not easy for a 17 year-old player…that stands out. The growth and reliance on him being a clutch player now is pretty crazy.
I think people want to see more explosive acceleration or fancy dangles in the highlights - but it seems to me Frondell just goes about being a star prospect in a slightly different way. I’m not sure the trajectory or the pure historic dominance of the numbers can be ignored when talking about the top tier of this draft, even if his sizzle reel isn’t as captivating as a few others.
Plus I think he’s clearly got the “it” factor with his maturity, work ethic and approach to the game. His development after coming back from a tough injury has been impressive and the way he has earned his coach’s praise and playing time in a situation that, again, is not easy for a 17 year-old player…that stands out. The growth and reliance on him being a clutch player now is pretty crazy.
I think people want to see more explosive acceleration or fancy dangles in the highlights - but it seems to me Frondell just goes about being a star prospect in a slightly different way. I’m not sure the trajectory or the pure historic dominance of the numbers can be ignored when talking about the top tier of this draft, even if his sizzle reel isn’t as captivating as a few others.
Eye of Ra
Grandmaster General of the International boards
The guy is out producing Pastnak and Nylander and yet you dont see the ceiling? He is extremely skilled, not some hard working grinder a la Lias Andersson which many who never seen him play thinks about him.
I want this kid to be a Hawk. Exactly the type of player we need
Yeah I don’t see it, like at all. I see a solid two way 2C who maybe is 60-70 in his prime years. Would be a nice player to have for sure.
Too many of you obsess over production comps. I’ve watched a lot of him, and really like his game. But I just don’t think he’s a dynamic scorer at the NHL level.
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