Dec 16, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars defenseman Lian Bichsel (6) is named the number two Star after the Stars defeat the Washington Capitals at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

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Dallas Stars Recall Defenseman Lian Bichsel

The Stars bolster their roster by recalling top prospect Lian Bichsel, adding depth to their defensive lineup.

On Thursday, the Dallas Stars Recall Defenseman Lian Bichsel Stars announced the recall of top defense prospect Lian Bichsel from AHL Texas. They also undid yesterday’s paper deal concerning forward Matěj Blümel and reinstated him to the active roster, which is currently full.

Bichsel, 20, made his NHL debut last month and participated in eight games as a substitute for the injured Mathew Dumba. The 2022 18th overall selection netted two goals and achieved a plus-two rating, averaging 13:43 of ice time per game while leading the team with 14.22 hits per 60 minutes.

Stars Recall Lian Bichselhttps://t.co/dDe8YLh59p
— Pro Hockey Rumors (@prohockeyrumors) January 23, 2025

Athleticism is the main feature of the 6’7″, 231-lb defender’s style, but it isn’t the sole element. The Swiss native is a talented breakout passer and has recorded three goals along with six assists for nine points in 28 games with AHL Texas this season.

Dallas currently has eight defensemen on their active roster, all listed as healthy. It’s improbable they’d halt Bichsel’s progress in the AHL to have him watch from the press box, particularly with no immediate injury issues, so he’s expected to join the lineup Friday versus the Golden Knights as seasoned lefty Brendan Smith moves to the press box.

Blümel, 24, has primarily been on the roster since January 11. The Czech winger, who the Oilers drafted in the fourth round back in 2019, has scored one goal on 10 shots over seven games with a minus-one rating. He’s been assigned to the minors on off days to assist the Stars in gaining extra cap space before the March 7 trade deadline. Blümel is among the few players that the Stars have promoted to fill a fourth-line role due to Mason Marchment’s and Tyler Seguin’s injuries affecting their forward depth. Since joining the organization in 2022, he has been one of their top AHL contributors, averaging 0.85 points per game over 162 career minor-league games. This season, he tops the club’s scoring chart with 18 goals across 32 matches.

Image Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

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Anamika Shrivastava

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I’ve always loved writing and storytelling, and hockey gives me a perfect stage for endless stories to tell. Whether it’s breaking down a game, analyzing a big trade, or capturing the emotions on the ice, I bring the NHL to life through words. So what’s the best part you ask? Watching the action unfold and turning it into something fans can connect with. To my readers: Hockey is more than just a game—it’s the highs, the heartbreaks, and the moments that make us jump off our seats. So, keep cheering, keep debating, and never stop loving the madness of the sport!