Dallas Stars Recall Defenseman Lian Bichsel

(Credit: Ross Bonander/Texas Stars)

It's time. After a fantastic start to the season, the Dallas Stars have recalled their top defensive prospect, Lian Bichsel, ahead of their game tonight against Nashville.

The Swiss defender earned a recall in last year's Western Conference Finals and was this close to playing before Chris Tanev was ruled in for the Game 5 in Dallas. Now, Bichsel seems more likely to play.

Chris Chambers of 100 Degree Hockey wrote an extensive breakdown of Bichsel's season so far the other week and you should give it a review ahead of tonight's contest.

Texas for its part will be fine on defense from a numbers standpoint with Gavin White and Christian Kyrou in reserve.

Here's the release:

Dallas Stars General Manager Jim Nill announced today the NHL club recalled defenseman Lian Bichsel from the Texas Stars, Dallas' development affiliate in the American Hockey League (AHL).

 

Bichsel, 20, has recorded nine points (3-6=9) in 21 games this season for Texas, with 28 penalty minutes and 25 shots on goal. The 6-foot-6 defenseman has a +8 rating, which ranks second on the Stars and shares the AHL lead among rookie blueliners. Bichsel recorded his first career two-goal game on Nov. 10 in a 5-2 win against Manitoba.

 

He had seven points (1-6=7) in 16 AHL games for Texas in 2023-24, before skating in 29 regular-season games and 15 playoff contests for Rögle BK in the Swedish Hockey League, helping his team reach the league finals. Upon returning from Sweden, Bichsel appeared in five Calder Cup Playoff games with the Stars and picked up one assist.

 

The Olten, Switzerland native was selected by Dallas in the first round (18th overall) of the 2022 NHL Draft.