Lian Bichsel Scouting Reports

It's going to take time for Lian to adjust to the smaller ice surface in North America. He has much less time and space to make decisions with the puck on his stick / identifying options / moving the play up ice from his zone via an outlet or with his legs.
Big body - leans 2-way/Match-up 'D' - doesn't back down from a physical challenge - long reach and range pushed opponents to the perimeter - gaps up very aggressively in the neutral zone / killing zone entries
More to give offensively - better than average puck touch - fantastic skater for stature

An absolute horse for Swiss vs Finland
Seemed like he never left the ice
A physical defender who does have the ability to surprise and lead the rush in transition
Generally keeps things simple in his zone. If there isn't a stick to stick option available he will chip pucks off the window / to the neutral zone.
Big body. Good skater. Smart. Plays with a presence. Can compliment an active D-partner.

Massive left shot 'D' who played up and down in the Leksand club system in 2021-2022
Has a presence. When he closes on opponents to take away space, provided he arrives on time, he is difficult to escape. Solid IQ. He defends from the middle of he ice out and gets in the way on the PK / blocks shots / uses long reach to keep opponents to the perimeter. Produced offensively at the J20 level and showed he can make plays. Not just a 'DD'. A work in progress but brings a ton of upside overall.