That Anton Frondell would go so early was expected – but only eight Swedes have been chosen as top three previously.
Thank you for believing in me. I am shocked and expectant, he said when he afterwards thanked Chicago's management.
Center Frondell made 11 goals and 14 assists in 29 matches for Djurgården in Hockeyallsvenskan during the past season.
Victor Eklund, also Djurgården, made 19 goals and 12 assists in 42 matches.
Thanked mom
The pre-tipped Canadian back Matthew Schaefer, 17, went as expected first in this year's draft – to New York Islanders.
Schaefer, who today plays in the junior team Erie Otters in Canada, has privately had a tough year behind him after having lost his mom to cancer.
I miss her a lot and wish she could be here, he said with tears in his eyes after having been chosen.
Michael Misa, 18-year-old forward from Canada, was chosen as number two by San Jose.
Draft in new guise
Other Swedes who have previously been chosen among the top three are Sweden's two only first choices, Mats Sundin (1989) and Rasmus Dahlin (2018), and among others the brothers Daniel and Henrik Sedin.
The main scene for the draft is Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles. But this year's event has changed guise, as the 32 teams are represented via link from their home towns. Previously, all teams have been present in the arena.
The 93 highest ranked talents are however invited to be on site.
Joakim Magnå/TT
Facts: NHL draft
TT
The draft's first round is held during the night against Saturday, Swedish time, and in Peacock Theatre, Los Angeles.
It is generally open to players born between January 1, 2005 and September 15, 2007.
New York Islanders choose first followed by San Jose and Chicago.
The draft order was drawn among the 16 teams that missed this year's playoffs, the remaining teams have been placed according to their final result this season. Stanley Cup champion Florida thus chooses as 32nd and last team.
