In a draft that saw a pair of Slovaks go first and second, Lian Bichsel was selected 18th overall by the Dallas Stars. The Swiss defenseman,played for Leksands IF in the SHL last season, was the Stars' first pick of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft.
The 18-year-old spent his junior time with EHC Olten and EHC Biel before heading to Sweden in 2021. He is planning to return there for another year to continue his development.
The Montreal Canadiens, who are this year's host of the draft, selected Juraj Slafkovský as first overall pick. Right after him, the New Jersey Devils chose another Slovakian player, Simon Nemec. As third pick, the Arizona Coyotes selected Logan Cooley. Shane Wright, who was expected to be taken first for the longest time, fell to the Seattle Kraken as fourth overall.
