Though they haven't had the best of luck in recent years selecting European-born players in the early rounds of the NHL Draft, the New York Rangers might be tempted to take either Anton Frondell or Victor Eklund if one or either forward is available when the No. 12 pick is on the clock June 27.
Teammates in Sweden, the forwards offer different levels of higher-end skills. But each is an intriguing prospect.
If the Rangers decide to go this route, they'll have to look past recent first-round flubs they've made recently with European prospects like Lias Andersson , Vitaly Kravtsov, Nils Lundqvist and, to a somewhat lesser extent, Kaapo Kakko .
So, what's there to like about each prospect from Sweden? Let's take a look.
Related: Top defensemen options for Rangers with No. 12 pick in 2025 NHL Draft
(Djurgarden – SWE 2) 6-foot-1, 198 pounds
NHL.com Analysis from Adam Kimelman:
"Frondell (6-1, 198) eventually could move to the wing, but his elite offensive game should translate no matter where he plays. He's an outstanding skater and he uses it well on the forecheck. He has a high compete level, won't shy away from physical play, has a quick release on his shot and can beat goalies from distance with it. He [just turned 18 in early May], and playing with and against older competition in Allsvenskan, the second pro division in Sweden, already gives him an understanding of the pro hockey lifestyle, which should accelerate his development."
Frondell's 11 goals and 14 assists for 25 points in 29 games ranks No. 1 in points per game (1.16) in the past 20 years for U18 players skating in the Allsvenskan league, just ahead of William Nylander
and David Pastrnak
. Very impressive for one of the younger players in this draft.
We've seen this become fools gold with players in the Euro leagues translating their game to the NHL. Where Nylander and Pastrnak are very explosive hockey players that maybe had defensive deficiencies, Frondell is strong on both sides of the puck but isn't the fastest skater by any means.
There's a lot of another Anton in his game: Anton Lundell
. Reliable and plays low in the d-zone, can attack off the rush using his brain and size more than his speed to get around and make plays. Has great signs of compete that will grow with time, just like how Lundell has matured into someone who can engage in battles for the very effective third line on the Florida Panthers
.
Frondell has a great release. Not afraid to enter the zone, skate through traffic in the slot to get a heavy shot off. In fact, his one-timer is something Lundell has but doesn't use as often as Frondell does. Less ice in the NHL could lead to him looking to a guy like Lundell or fellow Swede Leo Carlsson
to get his shot off more. There's the potential he becomes a better scorer than Lundell at this level with his confidence. Only time will tell.
While some mock drafts have him around the Top 10, some have him in the Top 5 even. Unlikely to be there at No. 12 when the Rangers pick, but it's not out of the question. It should be noted that Frondell had knee surgery in September and that could have impacted scouts getting an early look at him.
Related: Top right-wing options in 2025 NHL Draft for Rangers: Porter Martone & Justin Carbonneau
(Djurgarden – SWE 2) 5-foot-11, 161 pounds
NHL.com Analysis from Adam Kimelman:
"Eklund has stood out all season against older competition. The 18-year-old has led all under-20 players in Allsvenskan with 31 points (19 goals, 12 assists) in 42 games, and had six points (two goals, four assists) in seven games for Sweden at the 2025 WJC. Eklund is an outstanding skater and has shown no problem handling physical play well despite his size (5-11, 161)."
Frondell's teammate in Sweden shouldn't have to wait much longer to hear his name get called on draft day. The brother of San Jose Sharks
forward William Eklund
has a skillset to match his motor that many teams will covet.
Though he's undersized, Victor's pace at which he plays should transition quite well once he fills out. We've seen this pay off for similar players like Logan Stankoven
who is even smaller in stature. He has no issues using his speed to get up and down the ice with the puck. When he doesn't have it, is relentless in his pursuit to get it back and make the play.
Eklund doesn't take shortcuts to do so which can be a bad habit for many scoring wingers entering the League. Will stop and start in order to quickly eliminate having to play defense before it really starts. His vision off the forecheck is where much of his playmaking comes from. Generally looks to see where he's putting the puck before retrieving it.
His work ethic stands out. What will get him drafted in the first round is his skating ability to weave through traffic with the puck as well as his finishing ability. Off the puck in the offensive zone, he is always moving to find the open ice and get a shot off, from distance and in close.
Eklund may be selected just before or just after the Rangers are on the clock, depending on which mock draft you like best . The Rangers could be very tempted to scoop Eklund up if available at No. 12.
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