Selected 204th overall of the 1980 NHL Entry Draft by the Blackhawks, Frawley made his NHL debuts in the 1984-85. He was, in 1987, claimed off the waivers by the Penguins, with whom he had his best time in the NHL. Two years after having been claimed by the Pens, his leadership was honoured by Pittsburgh as he was named team captain. He only held the title for two months however, as a serious injury forced him to hand the title over to Mario Lemieux. Dan has one son who played hockey. Daniel Frawley played two games for the Gatineau Olympiques in 2007-08.