Lian Bichsel
Bichsel with Switzerland in 2020
Born (2004-05-18) 18 May 2004
Olten, Switzerland
Height 6 ft 5 in (196 cm)
Weight 216 lb (98 kg; 15 st 6 lb)
Position Defence
Shoots Left
NHL team (P)
Cur. team
Former teams		 Dallas Stars
Rögle BK (SHL)
EHC Biel
Leksands IF
NHL Draft 18th overall, 2022
Dallas Stars
Playing career 2021–present

Lian Bichsel (born 18 May 2004) is a Swiss professional ice hockey defenceman for Rögle BK in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) as a prospect on loan from the Dallas Stars of the National Hockey League (NHL). Bichsel was drafted in the first round, 18th overall, by the Stars in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft.

Playing career

Bichsel originally played as a youth in his native Switzerland with hometown club EHC Olten's junior ranks. Moving to EHC Biel from the under-15 level, Bichsel showed promising development for his size within his three seasons within the club.

Bichsel made his professional senior debut in the Swiss National League with EHC Biel during the 2020–21 season, featuring in four games.

In order to continue his upward trajectory, Bichsel moved from Switzerland to the more competitive Swedish J20 Nationell, by agreeing to a contract with the junior club of Leksands IF on 24 May 2021.[1] In the following 2021–22 season, Bichsel was soon elevated to make his Swedish Hockey League (SHL) debut and was later rewarded with a two-year rookie contract through 2023 with Leksands on 21 January 2022.[2] He finished his first season in the league in posting one goal and three points through 29 games.

On 7 July 2022, Bichsel's impressive season was acknowledged by his selection by the Dallas Stars in the first-round, 18th overall, of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft.[3][4] Returning to Sweden for his final season under contract with Leksands in the 2022–23 season, Bichsel continued his development, featuring primarily in a third-pairing role on the blueline alongside veteran Jonas Ahnelöv.[5]

On 6 May 2023, the Stars signed Bichsel to a three-year, entry-level contract.[6] After attending the Stars 2023 training camp, Bichsel was assigned to begin the 2023–24 season in the AHL with affiliate, the Texas Stars. Bichsel contributed with 1 goal and 5 points from the blueline through 13 games before he left North America and returned to Sweden on loan by the Stars, joining Rögle BK of the SHL for the remainder of the season on 29 November 2023.[7]

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GPGAPtsPIM GPGAPtsPIM
2020–21 EHC Biel U20-Elit 455232848 20000
2020–21 EHC Biel NL 40000 —————
2021–22 Leksands IF J20 113476 10002
2021–22 Leksands IF SHL 2912316 —————
2022–23 Leksands IF J20 81234 —————
2022–23 Leksands IF SHL 4215647 31014
SHL totals 7127963 31014

International

Year Team Event Result GPGAPtsPIM
2021 Switzerland U18 8th 51126
2021 Switzerland HG18 8th 40110
2023 Switzerland WJC 7th 50222
Junior totals 141458

References

  1. ↑ "Juniorlagen fylls på" (in Swedish). Leksands IF. 24 May 2021. Retrieved 18 February 2023.
  2. ↑ "Lian Bichsel skriver rookiekontrakt" (in Swedish). Leksands IF. 21 January 2022. Retrieved 18 February 2023.
  3. ↑ "Stars select Lian Bichsel with 18th overall pick in 2022 draft". Dallas Stars. 7 July 2022. Retrieved 18 February 2023.
  4. ↑ "Stars select Lian Bichsel 18th overall in 2022 NHL Draft". The Dallas Morning News. 7 July 2022. Retrieved 18 February 2023.
  5. ↑ "Around the Stars Universe Vol. 1". defendingbigd.com. 17 October 2022. Retrieved 18 February 2023.
  6. ↑ "Stars sign defenseman Lian Bichsel to a three-year entry-level contract". NHL.com. 6 May 2023. Retrieved 7 May 2023.
  7. ↑ "Lian Bichsel to Rögle" (in Swedish). Rögle BK. 29 November 2023. Retrieved 29 November 2023.
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