The Dallas Stars are still working out the details of a contract extension with defenseman Thomas Harley, the team’s last remaining restricted free agent. Despite the negotiations stretching into August, Stars general manager Jim Nill remains confident that a deal will be reached soon. Speaking with Lia Assimakopoulos of The Dallas Morning News, Nill expressed optimism, saying, “We’re having healthy communication. We’re having talks… We’re going to get him signed. I’m not too concerned.”
Harley is on the verge of signing the first significant contract of his NHL career, following his impressive performance on his three-year entry-level deal. Drafted 18th overall by Dallas in 2019, Harley signed his first professional contract just three months later. After returning to the Mississauga Steelheads post-draft, he made an unexpected NHL debut during the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs, joining Dallas’ taxi squad after Mississauga’s season ended.
Although he didn’t register a point in his debut, Harley impressed by keeping pace with the high-tempo Colorado Avalanche. Over the next three seasons, he honed his skills in a top-line role with the AHL’s Texas Stars, with a couple of extended recalls in 2022 giving him the chance to complete his rookie NHL season. Harley recorded one goal and four points across 34 games.
The Stars took a patient approach with Harley’s development, keeping him in the minors for 131 games despite his promising production, which included 70 points. This patience paid off as Harley exploded in his first full NHL season, recording 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 achieved 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 performance has made contract negotiations more complex. Entering this season with just 40 NHL games and six points to his name, Harley’s rapid rise now places him among elite U23 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 extensive NHL experience than Harley. Harley’s limited NHL experience might prevent him from reaching the $5 million mark, but a bridge deal could give him a chance to further prove his value next season.
There’s no denying that Harley is poised for a long and successful career, particularly in his strong role behind Heiskanen. Dallas will soon need to finalize a figure that reflects their confidence in this young defender. When, as expected, he re-signs, Harley will rejoin a Stars lineup that seems primed for success in the coming years, fueled by the incredible talent of emerging stars like himself.
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