Chicago Blackhawks acquire their own Aleksander Barkov through the 2025 NHL draft in Anton Frondell

The Chicago Blackhawks selected Anton Frondell of Djugardens IF 3rd overall tonight in Los Angeles' Peacock Theater.

The Swedish center is sizeable at 6 feet tall and 198 pounds, and one of the best international prospects in the NHL draft.

Like a whirlwind, the Djurgardens forwards, who posted 25 points in 29 games, began a media frenzy, as they joined other prospects while interviewers picked their brains in an effort to get to know them more.

One subject that came up was comparables. A popular topic during draft season, it's a way to gauge the kind of success a prospect will have in the NHL.

For Frondell, he was bold enough to compare himself to the Florida Panthers' two-time Stanley Cup center, Aleksandr Barkov, a Finnish center.

Barkov was for the longest time an undersung (until recently) forward in the NHL, despite his elite play in Florida. He plays in all three zones, is a playmaker, and is a former Selke Trophy winner (3X).

We hope this bold comparison for Frondell becomes true, as the Blackhawks could use someone with punch down the middle.

The team already has the skill and speed in Connor Bedard, Oliver Moore, and Frank Nazar, but not a towering center like Frondell.

If he can come even close to the high expectations he has for himself as a center in the NHL, who can be successful in all areas on the ice, the Blackhawks will be dangerous for years to come.

To give you an idea, Barkov scored 71 points (20-51) during the regular season, and is 6'3", 214 pounds. Frondell may have to grow a bit more and add some muscle, but it'll be exciting to see how his skills will translate to the NHL.