Lian Bichsel

Lian Bichsel (pronounced bih-SHEHL) (born 18 May 2004) is a Swiss professional ice hockey player who is a defenceman for 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 with 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.

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. 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. He finished his first season in the league by 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. 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.

On 6 May 2023, the Stars signed Bichsel to a three-year, entry-level contract. 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 7 points from the blueline through 16 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.

Personal life Bichsel’s brother Joel, plays professional football for the 1. FC Saarbrücken of the 3. Liga in Germany.

Career statistics Regular season and playoffs

International Year Team Event Result GP G A Pts PIM 2021 Switzerland U18 8th 5 1 1 2 6 2021 Switzerland HG18 8th 4 0 1 1 0 2023 Switzerland WJC 7th 5 0 2 2 2Junior totals 14 1 4 5 8