The San Jose Sharks have a decision to make at No. 2 at the 2025 NHL Draft.
After the NHL Draft Lottery, consensus seemed to land on the Sharks drafting Saginaw center Michael Misa. However, in recent history, questions surround the possibility of GM Mike Grier selecting Swedish centerman Anton Frondell instead.
At 6’1 and 205 lbs, Frondell matches the type of prospect Grier has brought into the Sharks organization. After all, his first pick was a big Swedish center in Filip Bystedt.
Frondell is the No. 1 international prospect according to the NHL’s Central Scouting.
In 29 games in Sweden this season, Frondell potted 11 goals and 14 assists. He stood out during the recent five-nations tournament by displaying his elite hands and shot.
“Frondell’s separating skill is his ability to get open away from the puck combined with high-end shooting talent,” Elite Prospects writes in its 2025 NHL Draft Guide. “He gets off the wall and beats defencemen for rebounds and deflections, pushing the pace away from the puck, but also slowing down or dropping to the high slot when it’s the right course of action.”
Top NHL insider Elliotte Friedman also suspects a chance at Frondell going No. 2.
“Teams are starting to wonder if [Anton] Frondell could be taken second overall by San Jose,” he said on 32 Thoughts. “He’s a very good player. I don’t think people would be shocked if that happened.”
Sharks owe Will Smith a shot at center, but Frondell might be better equipped
Will Smith will get a look at center for the San Jose Sharks next season. His skating and defensive ability need to improve if he wants to become a full-time NHL center. The Sharks drafted Smith to be a center and are committed to giving him that opportunity.
If that doesn’t work, drafting Frondell gives the Sharks a player who is better built to be a thriving NHL center. That isn’t to say Smith can’t be an NHL center; Frondell projects as an easier fit at center.
If the Sharks are to draft Misa, that might leave the franchise with a lack of size at the center position. While it can be done, not having a big, top-end center in the playoffs can severely hinder a team’s possible success.
Although Misa is listed at the same height as Frondell, there is a significant weight disparity. The players getting drafted on Friday and Saturday are 18. They are still growing. Like Macklin Celebrini and Smith in their rookie season, Misa and Frondell won’t have a complete NHL physique.
Misa’s offensive upside projects to be slightly higher than Frondell’s. San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier told reporters that he will pick whoever is on top of their draft board at No. 2.
Given Grier’s history, it is right to question if Misa is a lock at No. 2 over Frondell.
Read more news and stories about the San Jose Sharks on Sharks Hockey Digest! Bookmark the page and follow Sharks Hockey Digest on Twitter @SharksHKYDigest!
