Frondell makes NHL debut with Blackhawks against Islanders
Tuesday marks the beginning of a four-game road trip for Chicago (26-31-13), which should provide Frondell some time to become acclimated with his new teammates. As for his on-ice play, coach Jeff Blashill said he doesn’t want Frondell to feel pressured to produce right away.
“Just be him … play,” Blashill said. “He’s done a good job over the course of his time growing up to put himself in position of success, so just go play.
“Biggest thing is I told him (is) you’re going to make mistakes, and I don’t care about mistakes. We care about learning.”
Of course, joining a team late in an NHL season is much different than having a full offseason to prepare, an opportunity Bedard was provided after being the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. Bedard, 20, is in his third season with the Blackhawks and leads them with 66 points (29 goals, 37 assists) in 57 games.
He’s optimistic Frondell will be the player Chicago envisions in time.
“He was just fighting for his life in the playoffs with a different squad,” Bedard said. “A day later, he’s flying, however long, eight, nine hours, speaking a different language and everything. So, it’s different.
“You don’t want to put expectations on anyone; you just want him to go out there and enjoy the moment, play his game, and he’s a great player. He’s going to do great.”
