Thomas Harley signed an eight-year, $84.7 million contract with the Dallas Stars on Tuesday. It has a median annual worth of $10.587 million.
The 24-year-old defenseman, who’s within the ultimate season of a two-year, $8 million contract ($4 million AAV) he signed with the Stars on Sept. 17, 2024, might have grow to be a restricted free agent after the season.
“It’s a aid to simply get it carried out and be capable to play the remainder of this 12 months out, and to know I’m right here for the subsequent 9 years is incredible,” Harley mentioned after the Stars’ 1-0 win in opposition to the Washington Capitals. “The tradition that’s been constructed right here, it’s certainly one of respect and kindness and successful. The group we’ve right here is nice and it’s going to proceed to be nice, so I’m excited to be right here.”
Harley leads Dallas defensemen with eight factors (one purpose, seven assists) in 10 video games this season. He set NHL profession highs in targets (16), assists (34), factors (50), power-play factors (15) and plus/minus (plus-32) final season, when he noticed his minutes elevate after prime defenseman Miro Heiskanen sustained a knee harm in a collision with Vegas ahead Mark Stone on Jan. 28. Harley stepped in to steer the facility play and his ice time elevated from 22:27 by his first 48 video games to 24:57 for the rest of the season.
“We’re thrilled to lock up Thomas for the subsequent eight years,” Stars basic supervisor Jim Nill mentioned. “This extension is properly deserved. Thomas has confirmed to be one of many prime defensemen in our league, and his skill to step up in Miro Heiskanen’s absence was an vital a part of our staff sustaining its tempo all through final season. We’re wanting ahead to seeing him anchor our blueline alongside Miro for a few years to return.”
Chosen by the Stars within the first spherical (No. 18) of the 2019 NHL Draft, Harley has 111 factors (33 targets, 78 assists) in 207 regular-season video games. He additionally has 27 factors (5 targets, 22 assists) in 57 Stanley Cup Playoff video games, serving to Dallas advance to the Western Convention Closing in every of the previous three seasons.
“Only a class man,” Stars coach Glen Gulutzan mentioned. “I’m actually pleased for him. He deserves it. He’s a prime defenseman. It permits him to settle in, and it’s simply good for him and it’s good for us.”
