Thomas Harley, Stars Reportedly Nearing 8-Year, $84M NHL Contract Extension

The Dallas Stars and defenseman Thomas Harley are reportedly nearing an eight-year contract extension with an average annual value at or slightly above $10.5 million, per Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet and NHL Network.

ESPN's Emily Kaplan added more information.

Harley has played on Dallas for five seasons, but he's particularly shined over the last two campaigns, amassing 30 goals and 66 assists. His plus/minus of plus-32 last season was tied for 10th-best in the NHL.

The 24-year-old Harley is a major reason why the Stars have made the Western Conference finals each of the past two years. Of note, Harley was also ranked 14th on NHL Network's list of the top-20 defensemen heading into the season:

"Harley proved that his first season in the NHL was no fluke. After having 47 points (15 goals, 32 assists) and a plus-28 rating in 79 games with Dallas in 2023-24, he put up 50 points (16 goals, 34 assists) in 78 games and a plus-32 rating last season.

"The 23-year-old also averaged 23:23 of ice time per game, stepping up in the absence of Miro Heiskanen, and had 110 blocks, third on the team. He also had 14 points (four goals, 10 assists) in 18 playoff games."

JFresh of Elite Prospects broke down Harley's game.

Numerous analysts praised the deal, including Shayna Goldman of The Athletic and Rono Hockey.

Marco D'Amico of RG praised the contract but wondered about whether the team would have money to pay 26-year-old left wing Jason Robertson, who scored 151 regular-season goals from 2021-22 through 2024-25 and is a restricted free agent after this season.

Only three other defensemen would be making more than Harley presuming the deal is finalized, per Big Head Hockey:

Ultimately, this looks like a great deal on paper for a Dallas team looking to make another deep playoff run ending in the Stanley Cup Final this time around.