Chicago Blackhawks rookie and 2025 No. 3 overall pick Anton Frondell's hectic 2025-26 season still isn't over quite yet, as he was named to Sweden's pre-tournament roster for the upcoming 2026 World Championships on Wednesday.
When Frondell spoke with the Blackhawks' media during the team's exit interviews last Thursday, he was unsure whether he'd represent his native country at the World Championships, which begin on Friday, May 15, in Zurich and Fribourg, Switzerland.
It's already been a busy post-draft season for the 18-year-old forward, playing 46 games of pro hockey in the SHL with Djurgardens IF and his first 12 NHL contests with the Blackhawks, in addition to seven appearances at the 2026 World Junior Championships.
Even though he's played loads of hockey this year, Frondell said recently that it's what he loves to do most, and he's apparently feeling good enough to keep going for at least one more month. The 2026 World Championships conclude on May 31.
"It's been a lot of hockey," Frondell said during his exit interview when asked about playing in the World Championships. "Long year. First exhibition game was in the first week of August. [I've] been playing for a long time, but hockey is what I love to do. I just want to play games, I just want to be on the ice. My season, I don't know if it's over yet, but we'll see."
Last time he represented Sweden, Frondell helped his country capture its first Gold Medal at the World Juniors since 2012. He recorded nine points (3G, 6A) in seven games and was named the best forward in the tournament, while also being selected by the media to the all-tournament team.
Two other members of that Gold-Medal WJC squad, Ivar Stenberg and Viggo Bjork, were also named to Sweden's World Championship roster on Wednesday. Stenberg and Bjork are expected to be high-end selections in the 2026 NHL Draft this summer. Of course, the Blackhawks are locked into a top-four draft choice and will surely want to see what both have to offer in their final action before the draft.
The World Championships provide Frondell with another opportunity to gain valuable experience against grown men and a unique chance to represent Sweden. He'll look to carry over the momentum established both at the World Juniors and with the Blackhawks during his first taste of NHL action in Switzerland.
For more Blackhawks news, visit Chicago Hockey Now and like our Facebook Page .
Follow us on X:
The post Busy Year Continues: Frondell Named To Sweden's World Championships Roster appeared first on Chicago Hockey Now .
