Dallas Stars sign Lian Bichsel to entry-level contract

The Dallas Stars announced Saturday that they have signed defenseman Lian Bichsel to a three-year, entry-level contract. According to CapFriendly, the contract has an average annual value of $950,000.

The 18-year-old defenseman was selected 18th overall in the 2022 NHL Draft. During his draft year, he played for Leksands IF in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) and registered three points (one goal, two assists) in 29 games. This past season, Bichsel suited up again for Leksands in a more defiant role now that he had half a season under his belt. The Olten, Switzerland product also represented Switzerland at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship that took place in August 2022. He registered two assists in five games.

Before taking his talents to Sweden, Bichsel dominated the Swiss junior hockey scene. In 2020-21 while playing for Biel-Bienne in the U-20 Elit League, he registered 28 points (five goals, 23 assists) in 45 games, along with 48 penalty minutes. He led all defensemen on his club in points and ranked sixth league-wide.

The 6-foot-5, 216-pound defenseman has seen a lot of praise throughout his career. Ahead of the World Juniors, Daily Faceoff prospect analyst Steven Ellis had this to say about Bichsel in his Team Switzerland preview article. “The 6-foot-5 Dallas Stars prospect is easily one of the best defensemen to come out of the country in a while,” Ellis said. “He has spent nearly the entire season in the top Swedish league, with ice time varying from night to night. Still, that experience is important, regardless of results, and his real value will be in bringing energy and hatred to every shift. He’ll be the busiest defender on this roster this year, and one all Stars fans will be keeping a close eye on.”