Scout admits he was dead wrong about this 6′7″ Dallas Stars prospect

Lian Bichsel, the towering Swiss defenseman in the Dallas Stars system, is turning heads this offseason after surpassing expectations and showing he's more than just a big-bodied project that even Scott Wheeler admits he underestimated the 6′7″ blueliner.

Scott Wheeler of The Athletic included Bichsel in his 2025 "Prospects I Was Wrong About" series, calling attention to how the Swiss defender's combination of size, skating ability, and poise exceeded early concerns.

In Wheeler's words, Bichsel emerged as "a prospect I was too low on," highlighting how the 18th overall pick in 2022 has steadily earned his minutes with Texas and the NHL.
Wheeler's full take on this shift in perspective.

How Lian Bichsel's blend of size and skill is reshaping expectations for the Dallas Stars' defensive future

Analysts note that Bichsel isn't just tall, he moves with agility and poise. His skating, combined with a willingness to be physical, has demonstrated a level of polish unexpected in someone of his size and experience.

As The Hockey Writers recently observed, "Bichsel is physical and mean a solid complementary guy you're comfortable playing on your second pairing"

I think this recognition proves that Dallas's player development system is paying off. When prospects like Bichsel earn praise from skeptics, it signals the Stars are building lasting defensive depth, not just filling roster spots.

Looking ahead, Bichsel will have a chance to compete for a full-time role in 2025-26, and his ability to handle NHL minutes could influence how Dallas balances its blue line.

With his size, reach, and improving mobility, he could quickly become one of the most reliable young defenders in the organization.