Bichsel played in the Swedish Hockey League last season for Leksand and had a goal and two assists in 29 games. That's another reason the development might be slower because European leagues typically don't play as many games. However, he's playing against the best players in Sweden and also will play in international competition against players his own age when he plays for Switzerland at the upcoming World Juniors in August.
"I'm a proud Swiss player, that's for sure," he said.
He'll likely make the roster for the World Juniors and could be competing against some of the Stars' top prospects. Again, that'll be a big part of his development.
"You always want kids to play at the highest level possible, that makes them better," McDonnell said. "He's going to play with good players and he's going to get better."
The Stars could've gone for a forward and had that discussion, as Minnesota took Liam Ohgren, Washington nabbed Ivan Miroshnichenko and Anaheim took Nathan Gaucher. However, Dallas had loaded up on forwards in previous drafts and Bichsel was the right pick, Nill said.
"It was a big discussion because we had two forwards that we had ranked high, but I told my staff let's not get stuck on position," Nill said. "He has great size, great skater for his size and for his age. He's very competitive, and we think there's more offensive upside that's going to develop."
McDonnell said the process is tough for younger players who tend to yield to older players, but that there also is an upside to the competition level.
"I think it's just confidence," McDonnell said. "When you're playing in a men's league as a kid, you don't want to make a mistake. So, it takes time to grow that confidence, and the only way to get that is to play at a high level. He's a hard worker. He knows the route he wants to take and now he has to do it."
If it takes a year or two more, the Stars believe they'll have a great player in the end. And who knows, maybe he makes strides because he's playing in Sweden and because he's playing for the Swiss team in international play.
"He's in a very good place," Nill said. "He's playing in the men's league, he's in a good situation. He'll be playing for the Swiss World Junior team, so he's got lots of hockey coming."
This story was not subject to the approval of the National Hockey League or Dallas Stars Hockey Club.
Mike Heikais a Senior Staff Writer for DallasStars.com and has covered the Stars since 1994. Follow him on Twitter @MikeHeika.