Dallas Stars Prospect Lian Bichsel Set for NHL Debut
The Dallas Stars are set to see a talented young prospect make his NHL debut.
Lian Bichsel, the 18th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, will join the Stars lineup against the Nashville Predators on Thursday night. The 20-year-old defenseman has been recalled from the Texas Stars (AHL) and will step in for the injured Mathew Dumba.
"It’s great, been looking forward to this for many years," Bichsel said Thursday. "My whole youth. It’s a dream. Can’t put into words."
This marks a thrilling moment for both Bichsel and the Stars organization. Coach Pete DeBoer has been impressed with Bichsel’s development.
"I think when you look at his path, I thought he had an outstanding training camp and exhibition series for us," DeBoer said. "He was knocking on the door in camp for a job with his play. They did the right thing and sent him down and got him some more experience, and from all the reports down there he’s been very good. I think it was just a matter of time."
Bichsel’s size and skill combination make him a standout talent. Standing at 6-foot-7 and weighing 231 pounds, Bichsel is a physical presence on the ice, but he also possesses impressive offensive skills.
"He’s a big, big man, but he’s also got a really good skill level," DeBoer said. "The word I always find myself using when I watch him is ‘poise’ with the puck, which is rare for any young defensemen, never mind a guy that size. Maybe because of his size, he’s not worried about getting run over, he can hold it for another second."
The Stars are still awaiting test results on Dumba’s upper-body injury, so a timeline for his return is unclear.
Don’t miss the chance to witness Bichsel’s NHL debut! Tune in to the game on Thursday night at 8 p.m. ET on FDSNSO and Victory+.