Dallas Stars top prospect banned from international play

After being picked picked 18th overall in the 2022 NHL Draft, the Dallas Stars were hoping Lian Bichsel would become a top prospect in their system, but after skipping out on two World Junior Championships, the NHL hopeful has caused quite a stir.

Despite being one of Switzerland's best NHL hopefuls, head coach Patrick Fischer has invoked his right to ban Bichsel until 2026 due to his lack of loyalty to the U20 team during the 2022 and 2024 tournaments, despite his participation in the 2023 tournament.


According to Fischer, had Bichsel been asked to represent the Men's national team at the 2024 World Championships, he would have accepted, which would not have had a good look for Fischer's reputation and trustworthiness amongst other players.



Bichsel had his reasons for missing the two tournaments. In 2022 he claimed it would have hurt his relationship with his new Rogle teammates, and in 2024 he asked to be excused from certain parts of the Swiss training regiment, which the Swiss staff declined.

While the Stars prospect is still young, this is somewhat concerning behaviour, and a potential look at his loyalty that Dallas may not be fond of.


As Read on BladesofSteel
— Stars first-rounder banned from representing home country