The Dallas Stars may finally have their best defensive prospect in years

The Dallas Stars have a towering young defenseman, Lian Bichsel, whose mix of size, grit, and playoff poise is making fans wonder if he could anchor their blue line for years.

Bichsel faced the grind of his first full NHL season and showed he could handle it.

The Dallas Stars leaned on him down the stretch, even after he fought through a concussion and illness, and he returned when the team needed him most.

His size and calm style stood out, helping him earn steady minutes as a rookie.

Lian Bichsel rookie season stats role physical presence Dallas Stars

Bichsel, born in Switzerland, was selected 18th overall by Dallas in 2022. His full background, from draft notes to early milestones, can be found on Wikipedia.

At 6′7″ (201 cm) and 231 lb (104 kg), he quickly became one of the most physical defenders on the roster. His ability to break up plays with his reach is highlighted on Hockey Reference.

During the 2024-25 season, Bichsel appeared in 38 games, collecting 4 goals, 5 assists, and a +2 rating, while throwing 155 hits in nearly 15 minutes per night. A full breakdown of those numbers is posted on Statmuse.

Before arriving in Dallas, Bichsel developed with EHC Olten and EHC Biel in Switzerland, then took his game to Sweden with Leksands IF and Rögle BK. Those years helped refine his style, as seen on Elite Prospects.

Bichsel's first season showed he can mix size, toughness, and smart decisions to be a steady piece on Dallas's blue line.

I expect him to take a big step forward from his first season to his second.

With more confidence and a larger role, I believe he could become one of Dallas's most dependable young defenders this year.

I think he is only scratching the surface of what he can bring next season.