The Other Stars: Mavrik Bourque remains Dallas' ace up their sleeve, Lian Bichsel fuels Sweden's biggest underdog story, plus the new faces in Cedar Park
(Plus) some draft ranting.
With Logan Stankoven getting the call up, from now on this feature will basically be your prospect rundown. And yes, I will write (extensively) about the draft in the summer.
For Stars fans, there’s been no bigger story — literally and figuratively — than Lian Bichsel’s recent run with SHL underdog, Rogle. Up against the top-seeded Farjestad team, Rogle outright swept them. Bichsel, rather than just some young pup making quiet contributions, was ostensibly a driving force, even playing 34 minutes (overtime, obviously) in the third contest of the series.
Granted, I didn’t see any of his games with Rogle. But I’ve been watchinh him all year. I saw him stand out even around prospects like Logan Stankoven and Mavrik Bourque at Traverse City, sometimes garnering the most attention to these amateur eyes. I gave him an A for his Traverse City efforts. In the AHL, I thought he was one of Texas’ best players. At last, I became a full-blown believer. Needless to say, as they say in the Diaz Brother business, I’m not surprised motherf&$#ers.
One last thing I’ll note is that I’ve seen the discourse. I know some people still think his decision to leave Texas was questionable, including Scott Wheeler at The Athletic. I don’t begrudge fans for feeling somewhat spurned, but I do find it bizarre to question a 19 year old’s decision making through an adult lens. Even as adults, it typically takes a winding path rather than a straight line to get ourselves into comfort zones. Whatever Bichsel’s reasons were, and whatever they mean long term, it’s possible he ends his first North American season with two playoff teams against playoff competition across different sides of the Pacific.
Not only is that really good experience, but I think it also parallels with an insightful point that Sean Shapiro made in his feature on the Vegas Knights for EPRinkside; namely that their LTIR “shenanigans” share a kinship with the Jack Eichel situation. I.E. giving players more agency, and essentially, medical freedom.
Whether Dallas preferred Bichsel to stay or not, he was given the freedom to do so, selecting an option already baked into his contract. Bichsel is an interesting dude with a devil may care attitude versus his opponents, and an angelic focus for his teammates. Whatever happens, Bichsel deserves the benefit of the doubt.
Patience, my victory green padawans.
Programming note: Don’t like this paywall divider? Then make a donation! I promise there’s something for everyone. I had a dream that I just worked for Stars fans for a living. Thankfully that didn’t include cooking breakfast for anyone, but I’d like to keep this good thing going because, honestly? It should be even better. Also it means I don’t have to complain about paying Ryan for his artwork, which is worth every damn penny. Speaking of, his two Mavrik Bourque pieces might be my favorite.