Lian Bichsel

Lian Bichsel (born May 18, 2004) is a Swiss professional ice hockey defenceman playing for Leksands IF of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) as a prospect of 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.[1]

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

Playing career

Bichsel originally played as a youth in his native Switzerland with hometown club EHC Olten's junior ranks. Moving to EHC Biel-Bienne 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 4 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.[2] In the following 2021–22 season, Bichsel was soon elevated to make his Swedish Hockey League debut and was later rewarded with a two-year rookie contract through 2023 with Leksands on 21 January 2022.[3] He finished his first season in the league in posting 1 goal and 3 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.[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]

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs
Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
2020–21 EHC Biel U20-Elit 45 5 23 28 48 2 0 0 0 0
2020–21 EHC Biel NL 4 0 0 0 0 — — — — —
2021–22 Leksands IF J20 11 3 4 7 6 1 0 0 0 2
2021–22 Leksands IF SHL 29 1 2 3 16 — — — — —
2022–23 Leksands IF J20 8 1 2 3 4 — — — — —
2022–23 Leksands IF SHL 42 1 5 6 47 3 1 0 1 4
SHL totals 7127963 31014

International
Year Team Event Result GP G A Pts PIM
2021 Switzerland U18 8th 51126
2021 Switzerland HG18 8th 40110
2023 Switzerland WJC 7th 50222
Junior totals 141458

References
  1. "Stars select Lian Bichsel with 18th overall pick in 2022 draft". Dallas Stars. 7 July 2022. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
  2. "The junior team is replenished" (in Swedish). Leksands IF. 24 May 2021. Retrieved 24 May 2021.
  3. "Lian Bichsel signs rookie contract" (in Swedish). Leksands IF. 21 January 2022. Retrieved 21 January 2022.
  4. "Stars select Lian Bichsel 18th overall in 2022 NHL Draft". The Dallas Morning News. 7 July 2022. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
  5. "Around the Stars Universe Vol. 1". defendingbigd.com. 17 October 2022. Retrieved 17 October 2022.
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