Dallas Stars Sign 2022 First-Round Pick; Suffered Broken Ankle Last Week

The Dallas Stars have officially announced the signing of 18-year-old defenseman Lian Bichsel to a three-year entry-level contract.

Hailing from Olten, Switzerland, Bichsel is set to join the Stars for the upcoming 2023-24 season.

Lock it in! 🔒

We have signed 2022 first-round draft selection, Lian Bichsel, to a three-year entry-level contract!

— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) May 6, 2023

Bichsel's journey to the NHL began with his performance in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) for Leksands IF.

In the 2022-23 season, he contributed six points with one goal and five assists in 42 regular-season games. He also made an impact in the playoffs, netting a goal in three games.

Bichsel's prowess extended to Leksands' junior club, where he tallied three points in eight regular-season contests and added an assist in five postseason games.

Update on Lian Bichsel
Broken ankle surgery will require 6-8 weeks recovery time.
Hoping he can start training for 2023-24 season by early July

— Bruce LeVine (@BruceLeVinePuck) May 5, 2023

The news out of Sweden on Lian Bichsel is bad.
Bichsel broke his ankle in a collision during a game that was preperation for the World Championships. The Dman was on track to make the Swiss national team.
The injury will require surgery and recovery time is unknown at the moment.

— Bruce LeVine (@BruceLeVinePuck) May 4, 2023

Internationally, Bichsel represented Switzerland at the 2023 World Junior Championship, recording two assists and ranked second on Team Switzerland and 12th overall in average time on ice per game.

His path included notable performances in the Swiss junior hockey scene with Biel-Bienne, where he amassed 28 points, including five goals and 23 assists, in 45 games during the 2020-21 season. His exceptional contributions earned him recognition as one of the top defensemen from Switzerland in recent years.

In other news, this one unfortunate, Bichsel suffered a broken ankle in a collision during a game in preparation for the World Championships. He will be out 6-8 weeks after surgery. Photo Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports