The Dallas Stars are currently negotiating contract terms with defenseman Thomas Harley, their last remaining restricted free agent. Despite the talks extending into August, Stars general manager Jim Nill remains optimistic, telling Lia Assimakopoulos of The Dallas Morning News that he expects negotiations to intensify soon and is confident Harley will re-sign. Nill stated, “We’re having productive discussions. We’re in communication… We’re going to get him signed. I’m not too worried.”
Harley is expected to sign his first significant NHL contract, having proven himself during his three-year entry-level deal. Selected 18th overall by Dallas in the 2019 NHL Draft, Harley signed his first professional contract shortly after and returned to the Mississauga Steelheads before making an unexpected NHL debut during the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Though he didn’t score in his debut, he showed he could keep up with the fast-paced Colorado Avalanche. Over the next three seasons, Harley developed in the AHL with the Texas Stars, where he took on a leading role. He also played his rookie NHL season with Dallas during two extended recalls in 2022, recording one goal and four points in 34 games.
Dallas was patient with Harley’s growth, keeping him in the minors for 131 games, during which he accumulated 70 points. This patience paid off, as Harley had a breakout NHL season this year, scoring 47 points in 79 games and leading the Stars’ defense with 15 goals — the most by a Stars defenseman since Trevor Daley in 2015. Harley’s impressive performance, where he averaged 21 minutes of ice time per game, makes his extension challenging. Entering the season with only 40 NHL games and six points, Harley quickly joined the ranks of top young defensemen like Noah Dobson, Zach Werenski, and Justin Faulk, who secured bridge deals with cap hits around $5 million after their breakout seasons. Harley may fall short of the $5 million mark due to his limited NHL experience, but a bridge deal could give him the chance to prove his value next season.
It’s clear Harley is poised for a long and successful career, especially given his promising role behind Miro Heiskanen. The Stars will soon need to decide on a contract that reflects their confidence in Harley. When he does re-sign, he will join a Dallas lineup that appears set to be formidable for years to come, bolstered by young talent like himself.
