The Dallas Stars are still working out the contract details for their last restricted free agent, defenseman Thomas Harley. Despite the negotiations extending into August, Stars General Manager Jim Nill remains unfazed. He expressed confidence in an interview with Lia Assimakopoulos of The Dallas Morning News, stating that discussions are progressing well and he believes Harley will re-sign soon. Nill remarked, “We’re having healthy communication. We’re having talks. … We’re going to get him signed. I’m not too concerned.”
This will be Harley’s first significant NHL contract after proving himself worthy of an NHL role during his entry-level contract. Drafted 18th overall by Dallas in 2019, Harley quickly signed his first professional contract and later made an unexpected NHL debut during the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Although he didn’t score in his debut, he impressed by holding his own against a fast-paced Colorado Avalanche team. Over the next three seasons, Harley developed in the AHL with the Texas Stars, earning brief NHL call-ups in 2022, where he played his rookie season, recording one goal and four points in 34 games.
Dallas took a patient approach to Harley’s development, keeping him in the minors for 131 games despite his promising performance, which included 70 points. This patience paid off, as Harley had a breakout season in his first full NHL campaign this year. The 22-year-old defenseman scored 47 points in 79 games, just seven points behind Miro Heiskanen, the Stars’ leading defenseman. Harley’s 15 goals were the most by a Stars defenseman since Trevor Daley in 2015, and he did so while averaging 21 minutes of ice time per game, becoming a key player behind Heiskanen in Dallas’ lineup.
Harley’s impressive performance this season likely makes his contract extension more challenging. He entered the season with just 40 NHL games and six points, but his breakout year has put him in the same conversation as players like Noah Dobson, Zach Werenski, and Justin Faulk, who secured bridge deals with cap hits around $5 million after similar breakout seasons. However, Harley’s relatively limited NHL experience might keep him from reaching that $5 million mark, although a bridge deal could give him a chance to prove his value next season.
There’s little doubt that Harley has a bright future ahead, especially with his strong role behind Heiskanen. Dallas will need to determine his contract value in the coming weeks. Once Harley re-signs, he’ll rejoin a Stars lineup poised to be competitive for years, powered by young talents like him.
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