If anybody knows about the glory of Chicago Blackhawks hockey, it is Johnny Oduya. The Swedish native played 16 years in the NHL. While he never became an All-Star, he was a highly valued defenseman everywhere he went. In 2011-2012, the Blackhawks traded for him. Oduya became a central part of both their 2013 and 2015 Stanley Cup championships. His iconic shot off the post in Boston that led to Dave Bolland’s Cup-clinching goal will be remembered forever. Fans may also not know he is friends with #3 overall pick Anton Frondell.
According to Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times, the two connected in Sweden through photo shoots and field-hockey tournaments. This led to an unlikely friendship. So it wasn’t a surprise when the Blackhawks called him, asking Oduya for his opinions on Frondell as a player and person. Having not watched much hockey in recent years, he couldn’t comment on the former. However, it didn’t take long to get the measure of Frondell’s personality.
In fact, it reminded him of somebody familiar.
‘‘I haven’t spoken with him about [breath work], but that’s something I should do, though,’’ Frondell said, a light bulb flickering inside his head.
Said Oduya: ‘‘In many ways, [Anton] has a lot of the characteristics Marian Hossa had. He’s a very down-to-earth individual that has this light appearance. But he’s still really hard-working and doesn’t take himself too seriously. He knows what he can deliver.’’
Anton Frondell might indeed be the missing piece for Chicago.
Most historians agree that everything changed for the Blackhawks once Marian Hossa arrived in 2009. His ability to play great offense and defense made life so much easier for everybody else on the ice. Throw in his even-keeled personality and steady leadership, and you had an elite teammate who elevated everybody around him, even if he might not have been the best player. Oduya sees the same qualities in Anton Frondell. The fact he is also a great two-way player might not be an accident. Obviously, expecting him to be the next Hossa is not fair. Frondell is his own person. Still, it shows the Blackhawks certainly had the right idea when they drafted him.