Blackhawks Rookie Anton Frondell 'Living the Dream' After Two Weeks in NHL

Frondell's interest in observing and learning from everything has stood out during his mind-boggling first two road trips on the Hawks.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 8:51pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movement and energy of a hockey game, with players' bodies and equipment broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and form.A cubist interpretation of the Blackhawks' young talent on display, as rookies like Frondell, Bedard, and Boisvert learn from their veteran teammates on the ice.San Jose Today

Blackhawks rookie Anton Frondell, a teenage Swede, has had a whirlwind first two weeks in the NHL, playing in eight different arenas across the country. Despite the fast pace, Frondell has shown a keen interest in observing his teammates and learning as much as he can, even closely watching the power play unit he is not a part of during practice. Meanwhile, fellow rookie Sacha Boisvert has also adjusted to the demanding NHL schedule after a frustrating season in college.

Why it matters

Frondell and Boisvert's experiences provide a glimpse into the challenges and excitement rookie players face when making the jump to the NHL, especially with the Blackhawks' packed travel schedule this season. Their adaptability and eagerness to learn from veteran players could be key to their long-term development.

The details

In his first two weeks in the NHL, Frondell has already played in eight different arenas across the country, including a recent trip to the West Coast. Despite the hectic pace, the 19-year-old Swede has shown a keen interest in observing his teammates and learning as much as he can, even closely watching the Blackhawks' power play unit that he is not a part of during practice. Meanwhile, fellow rookie Sacha Boisvert, who had a frustrating season at Boston University, scored his first NHL goal against the Kraken, a cathartic moment for him. Boisvert has also adjusted to the demanding NHL schedule, following the lead of veteran players in terms of maintaining fitness and taking care of his body.

  • Frondell will play his eighth NHL game on Monday, April 6, 2026.
  • Boisvert scored his first NHL goal against the Kraken on Saturday, April 4, 2026.

The players

Anton Frondell

A 19-year-old rookie forward from Sweden who is making the most of his first two weeks in the NHL, showing a keen interest in observing and learning from his veteran teammates.

Sacha Boisvert

A rookie forward who had a frustrating season at Boston University but is now adjusting to the demanding NHL schedule, taking cues from veteran players on how to maintain fitness and take care of his body.

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What they’re saying

“'Actually, I looked at the map yesterday and realized we were all the way in the west of the U.S.A. It's pretty cool to be in new places each and every day, even if all you see is the hotel and the rink.'”

— Anton Frondell, Blackhawks Rookie

“'Watching other players in practices and morning skates on this team, you just realize how good players can be and how much you still have to work on. I'm just trying to learn. I'm far away from, right now, succeeding on the ice. I'm still young, and it's my first weeks in the league. But it's cool. Every day, you learn from all these players.'”

— Anton Frondell, Blackhawks Rookie

“'You could see my emotion getting going.'”

— Sacha Boisvert, Blackhawks Rookie

“'All those guys like showing up to the rink early that have been playing in this league for a while, [they're] just stretching, taking care of their bodies. It's fun to see that, and it gives me motivation to follow what they're doing.'”

— Sacha Boisvert, Blackhawks Rookie

What’s next

The Blackhawks will finish the season with four consecutive home games in Chicago, giving Frondell and Boisvert a chance to settle in and continue learning from their veteran teammates.

The takeaway

Frondell and Boisvert's experiences as NHL rookies highlight the challenges and excitement of making the jump to the professional level, especially with a packed travel schedule. Their adaptability, observational skills, and eagerness to learn from veteran players could be key to their long-term development and success with the Blackhawks.