Harley is poised to sign the first significant contract of his NHL career, following an impressive performance on his initial three-year entry-level deal. The Stars selected Harley 18th overall in the 2019 NHL Draft and quickly signed him to his first professional contract. After returning to the Mississauga Steelheads post-draft, Harley made an unexpected NHL debut during the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs, joining Dallas’ taxi squad after Mississauga’s season concluded.
Though Harley didn’t register a point in his debut, he showcased his ability to keep up with the fast-paced Colorado Avalanche offense. Over the next three seasons, Harley honed his skills in a top-line role with the AHL’s Texas Stars. He also experienced two extended recalls in 2022, during which he played his rookie NHL season, tallying one goal and four points in 34 games.
The Stars took a patient approach with Harley’s development, keeping him in the AHL for 131 games despite his promising production, which included 70 points. This patience paid off as Harley emerged in his first full NHL season this year, notching 47 points in 79 games—just seven points shy of Miro Heiskanen, who led the Stars’ defense in scoring. Harley’s 15 goals were the most by a Stars defenseman since Trevor Daley in 2015. He accomplished this while averaging 21 minutes of ice time per game, solidifying his role as a key player behind Heiskanen in Dallas’ lineup.
Harley’s breakout season has likely made his contract extension more complex. Entering the season with only 40 NHL games and six points to his name, Harley has now joined the ranks of young, high-scoring defensemen like Noah Dobson, Zach Werenski, and Justin Faulk. Both Dobson and Faulk secured bridge deals with cap hits around $5 million after their breakout seasons, though they had more NHL experience than Harley. Harley’s relatively limited NHL experience may prevent him from reaching the $5 million mark, but a bridge deal could provide him with an opportunity to further prove his value next season.
There’s little doubt that Harley is on the path to a long and successful career, particularly in his advantageous role behind Heiskanen. The Stars will need to assign a value to their confidence in this young defenseman in the coming weeks. Once Harley re-signs, he’ll rejoin a Stars lineup that looks poised to be a formidable force for years to come, bolstered by incredibly talented young players like himself.
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