Dallas Stars’ top defensive prospect Lian Bichsel is returning to Sweden for the rest of the season, after exercising the European Assignment Clause in his contract, and will be reassigned to the SHL on Dec. 4; this move could potentially affect his chances of playing in the NHL before the end of the season.
‣ The Dallas Stars’ top defensive prospect, Lian Bichsel, has chosen to exercise the European Assignment Clause in his contract and will return to Sweden for the rest of the season, being reassigned to the SHL on Dec. 4.
‣ Despite not yet receiving a call-up opportunity, Bichsel was a key player in the Texas Stars’ top four on defense and has now made his first NHL games less likely by choosing to play for Rögle BK in the SHL.
‣ Although the AHL may have been the preferred route for Bichsel’s development, his move to Rögle is not a significant step down and could potentially be a deciding factor in whether he makes the Stars’ NHL roster at the age of 20 by the time the 2024 training camp comes around.
Lian Bichsel, the Dallas Stars’ top defensive prospect, has chosen to return to Sweden for the rest of the season. He’s decided to exercise the European Assignment Clause in his entry-level contract. The Stars will officially reassign Bichsel to the SHL on Dec. 4.
Bichsel, a 19-year-old Swiss blueliner, was the 18th overall pick at the 2022 NHL draft. He had decided to cross the Atlantic to join the Stars for training camp at the start of the season. Initially, he was sent to the club’s AHL affiliate, the Texas Stars. So far, he’s played in 13 games and scored five points.
Standing at six-foot-six and weighing 233 pounds, Bichsel has been playing a solid role in Texas. He’s been a key part of their top four on defense. He’s also had some time on special teams. Although he hasn’t received a call-up opportunity yet, there was a chance Bichsel would play in his first NHL games before the season’s end. However, this possibility has now become significantly more remote.
Bichsel has reportedly chosen to play for Rögle BK instead of Leksands. He’s joining a team that currently ranks 11th out of 14 SHL clubs. If Rögle misses the postseason, Bichsel could return to the AHL before the Stars’ season ends.
This development path for Bichsel might not be what the Stars had in mind. But, it’s a possibility they must have anticipated. Playing for Rögle isn’t a significant step down in terms of development opportunities, compared to the AHL. Bichsel is likely to get a lot of play time there, and the club has a history of aiding NHL first-round picks in their growth.
By the time the Stars 2024 training camp comes around, the extra experience Bichsel will have gained could be crucial. It might just be the deciding factor in whether he makes the Stars’ NHL roster at the age of 20.
