Anton Frondell moves to center as Blackhawks rookie adjusts to the NHL

Eighteen-year-old Anton Frondell, in his seventh NHL day, was shifted to center by coach Jeff Blashill and recorded a secondary assist in Chicago's game against the New Jersey Devils.

Anton Frondell joined the Chicago Blackhawks this month and has spent his first week in the NHL adjusting both on and off the ice. The 18-year-old noted differences from Sweden in travel, hotels, language and game speed. After three games on the wing alongside Connor Bedard, coach Jeff Blashill moved Frondell to center for the matchup with the New Jersey Devils. Frondell has some prior experience at center with Djurgården but has mainly played wing this season. Key facts: - Frondell is 18 and was in his seventh day in the NHL when the position change occurred. - Coach Jeff Blashill said he wanted to see Frondell at center this year to evaluate whether that is his future role with the team. - Frondell has contributed offensively early, with a primary assist in his debut and a secondary assist on the power play in the game against New Jersey. - Faceoff results were uneven: he won one of his first four and two of nine in the Devils game. - The Blackhawks allowed a season-high 92 shot attempts in the game, and defenseman Artyom Levshunov missed the game after imaging showed a small fracture in his left hand. Summary: Frondell's move to center is an early test of a possible long-term role and adds new responsibilities that could affect his play until he gains comfort. Coaches will monitor his defensive and faceoff work while the team also evaluates lineup and power-play adjustments; specific long-term decisions are undetermined at this time.