With the 2025 NHL Draft approaching, the Nashville Predators are reportedly considering Swedish center Anton Frondell for their fifth overall pick.
Frondell played for Djurgårdens IF in Sweden’s HockeyAllsvenskan and has emerged as a top prospect due to his impressive performance in the league.
NHL Insider Reveals the ‘Perfect Fit’ for the Nashville Predators
Frondell’s 2024-25 season showcased his offensive capabilities, as he recorded 25 points (11 goals, 14 assists) in 29 games. His contributions were instrumental in Djurgårdens’ push for promotion to the Swedish Hockey League.
In his latest column for The Athletic, NHL analyst Max Bultman captured the appeal, stating:
“Martone is tempting here too, and he certainly feels like a Nashville type. But it’s just too hard to pass on the chance to take a two-way center with dangerous goal-scoring ability, so I’m going to take Frondell. He didn’t finish on a high note, with a so-so showing at the U18 World Championship, but his body of work on the season is still very impressive, as is the toolkit. He’ll slot perfectly into a Nashville system crying out for high-end centers.”
While some mock drafts have the Predators considering other top prospects like James Hagens or Caleb Desnoyers, Frondell’s well-rounded game and professional experience keep him firmly in the mix.
Anton Frondell has a heck of a one handed backhand. Great find by @JRKANE881
pic.twitter.com/biuwLRaYgj— The Prospect Don (@TheProspectDon) May 29, 2025
While Frondell’s regular season drew praise for his two-way play, his showing at the U18 World Championship was more muted, raising some questions. Still, scouts note his strong skating, high hockey IQ, and the ability to contribute at both ends of the ice.
How Does Anton Frondell Fit the Nashville Predators’ Requirements
Historically, Nashville has leaned toward responsible, well-rounded players rather than those who rely solely on pure offensive flash. From Ryan Johansen’s peak years to homegrown contributors like Colton Sissons, the Predators have valued players who play a full 200-foot game.
Frondell fits that mold. With a roster undergoing a measured retool, Nashville is prioritizing prospects who can step into key roles quickly. Frondell’s experience against professional competition in Sweden gives him an advantage over North American peers who are still refining their games in junior leagues.
Center depth is a particular area of focus. The Predators currently lean on veterans Ryan O’Reilly and Steven Stamkos, both of whom bring leadership and experience but are firmly in the later stages of their careers. Beyond them, the team is developing young talents like Luke Evangelista and Fyodor Svechkov, but there’s a noticeable gap when it comes to finding a young, high-end center prospect ready to take on a major role.
Frondell’s combination of reliable defensive habits, play-driving ability, and offensive upside checks critical boxes for Nashville. While other prospects in the top 10, like Hagens and Desnoyers, offer elite skill and flair, Frondell provides a more complete, NHL-ready package.
The 2025 NHL Entry Draft is scheduled for June 27–28 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, and Nashville’s fifth overall pick will be a pivotal moment for the franchise’s next chapter. As the draft nears, Frondell remains one of the most logical fits for the Predators’ long-term plans.
