Stars stick to their list, add depth on D with first-round pick Bichsel

MONTREAL --Stars fans have been treated to almost immediate fireworks from recent drafts, but this year's first-round selection might be a little more of a slow burn.
While players like Wyatt Johnston, Mavrik Bourque and Logan Stankoven have posted an explosion of points in Canada's junior hockey leagues, Lian Bichsel will probably take a little more time.

WORTH A CLICK: [Get to know more about Bichsel / Stars 2022 NHL Draft Central]
One, he was born in Switzerland and is playing Sweden, and European prospects generally take a little longer to make an impact in North America, and two, he's a two-way defenseman and he still needs time to refine his skill game. That said, the Stars believe that if they're patient with Bichsel, his upside could be just as impressive.
"He's been a guy that's been high on our list all season long, and actually as an underage player that went to the tournament in Frisco," said Joe McDonnell, the Stars' director of amateur scouting. "His size stands out, that's obviously the biggest thing you'll notice about him. And then his skating ability is very, very good for his size. He's a well-rounded guy and his offensive game hasn't come out yet. He played in a men's league, so he played conservatively there. When he played in his own age group, that's when you could see his offense a little bit. So, he has a lot more to give in that regard."
Bichsel is listed at 6-6, 225, so he's a physical force, but both McDonnell and Stars GM Jim Nill say he's a good skater and that'll help him develop into an impact player. But that process will take a little more time than some of the players who have jumped right in at the junior level.

Bichsel played in the Swedish Hockey League last season for Leksand and had a goal and two assists in 29 games. That's another reason the development might be slower because European leagues typically don't play as many games. However, he's playing against the best players in Sweden and also will play in international competition against players his own age when he plays for Switzerland at the upcoming World Juniors in August.
"I'm a proud Swiss player, that's for sure," he said.
He'll likely make the roster for the World Juniors and could be competing against some of the Stars' top prospects. Again, that'll be a big part of his development.
"You always want kids to play at the highest level possible, that makes them better," McDonnell said. "He's going to play with good players and he's going to get better."
The Stars could've gone for a forward and had that discussion, as Minnesota took Liam Ohgren, Washington nabbed Ivan Miroshnichenko and Anaheim took Nathan Gaucher. However, Dallas had loaded up on forwards in previous drafts and Bichsel was the right pick, Nill said.
"It was a big discussion because we had two forwards that we had ranked high, but I told my staff let's not get stuck on position," Nill said. "He has great size, great skater for his size and for his age. He's very competitive, and we think there's more offensive upside that's going to develop."
McDonnell said the process is tough for younger players who tend to yield to older players, but that there also is an upside to the competition level.
"I think it's just confidence," McDonnell said. "When you're playing in a men's league as a kid, you don't want to make a mistake. So, it takes time to grow that confidence, and the only way to get that is to play at a high level. He's a hard worker. He knows the route he wants to take and now he has to do it."
If it takes a year or two more, the Stars believe they'll have a great player in the end. And who knows, maybe he makes strides because he's playing in Sweden and because he's playing for the Swiss team in international play.
"He's in a very good place," Nill said. "He's playing in the men's league, he's in a good situation. He'll be playing for the Swiss World Junior team, so he's got lots of hockey coming."
This story was not subject to the approval of the National Hockey League or Dallas Stars Hockey Club.
Mike Heikais a Senior Staff Writer for DallasStars.com and has covered the Stars since 1994. Follow him on Twitter @MikeHeika.