Thomas Harley has emerged as a top defenseman for the Dallas Stars the past couple seasons. He heads into the final year of his current 2 year $4 million deal this upcoming season.
The 24 year old amassed 16 goals and 34 assists for 50 points in 78 games for Dallas last season. In the playoffs, he registered 4 goals and 10 assists for 14 points in 18 games. Harley spent much of the season filling in for Stars number 1 dman Miro Heiskanen while he was out due to injury. Harley’s play was so impressive, Hockey Canada took notice and added him to their 4 Nations roster as a last minute injury replacement. He should have a good chance to fight for a spot on their 2026 Olympic team as well, which would only further raise his stock.
As Harley’s 2026 contract extension looms, insider Jeff Marek has provided a benchmark for what this deal could look like that will likely lead to quite a payday for the rising blueliner.
What could Harley’s contract look like?
Via Jeff Marek on “Empty Netters,” the Stars are using Miro Heiskanen’s contract as the ceiling for a future Thomas Harley extension. Meaning, depending on how Harley performs in this 25-26 campaign he could make as much as the $8.45 million per year Heiskanen is currently making on his deal. The Stars would likely not pay him any more than that as they still view Heiskanen as their top defenseman, but Harley is making his case.
We’ll see how Harley’s season plays out as it will be a big contract year for him to deliver. Over the course of his 197 game regular season career in Dallas, Harley has recorded 32 goals and 71 assists for 103 points. In the postseason, he has totaled 5 goals and 22 assists for 27 points in 57 games.
