Lian Bichsel Fantasy Stats

Dallas Stars defenseman Lian Bichsel (illness) will not suit up on Friday evening when the Stars face the Winnipeg Jets. As a result, Brendan Smith will enter the starting lineup and likely play alongside Matt Dumba on the bottom defensive pairing. Over his previous four contests, Bichsel has not gotten on the scoresheet and logged 17 hits, one block, and four penalty minutes. Bichsel made his NHL debut earlier this season. Through his first 22 contests at the NHL level, the former 18th overall selection from the 2022 NHL draft has found the back of the net twice and added three helpers. He has logged an impressive 90 hits with 13 blocked shots. When he does return to the lineup, he will only have value in deeper formats that reward hits.

Dallas Stars defenseman Lian Bichsel (concussion) will remain sidelined during Friday's contest when the Stars host the Los Angeles Kings. Bichsel was unable to suit up on Tuesday evening and will now miss his second straight contest. However, the 20-year-old was able to skate on Friday, which is a promising sign. Seeing him steadily progress, could open the door for him to return to the starting lineup on Sunday against the St. Louis Blues. As a result, fantasy managers should expect Brendan Smith to continue to have a spot in the starting lineup on the bottom pairing alongside Matt Dumba. Through his first 18 NHL games, Bichsel has tallied five points (two goals) and added an impressive 73 hits with 12 blocked shots. Given his low ice time, Smith will carry little value in DFS formats this evening.

Dallas Stars defenseman Lian Bichsel (upper body) exited early during Sunday's contest against the New York Islanders. Bichsel sustained a hit in the second frame. Before exiting, Bichsel logged nine minutes of ice time and held a -1 rating with three hits and one shot on goal. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Bichsel's status prior to their contest on Tuesday evening against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Across 18 games this season, the 20-year-old has tallied five points (two goals) with an impressive 73 hits and 12 blocked shots. If Bichsel were to miss time, fantasy managers should expect Brendan Smith to enter the starting lineup. The Dallas defense is already without star Miro Heiskanen (knee) and Nils Lundkvist (shoulder) and could be even more shorthanded going forward.