Lian Bichsel

Lian Bichsel (born 18 May 2004) is a Swiss professional ice hockey defenceman for the Texas Stars in the American Hockey League (AHL) as a prospect to 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. 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 in posting one goal and three points through 29 games.