The Dallas Stars have reportedly made a big signing today, and it might be in somewhat of an unexpected spot. Young defenceman Thomas Harley signs a big extension today. The word is that it is for eight years and in around the $10.5875 million mark for average annual value.
Thomas Harley extension with Dallas Stars still being finalized but hearing it will be 8 years x $10.5875M AAV per season
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) October 28, 2025
Dallas Star Defenceman Thomas Harley Signs 8-Year Extension
It certainly has been a bit of a wild run for Stars defenceman Thomas Harley. Before the 2023-24 season, the 2019 NHL Entry Draft first-round selection had only appeared in 40 NHL games. You know what they say, defencemen take a little longer to mature. In that 2023-24 campaign, Harley really emerged as a top-four guy. He had 15 goals, 32 assists, and totaled 47 points in 79 games that year. That was all the while playing 21:01 of average ice time. He followed it up in similar fashion last year. In 78 games, he bettered those stats with 16 goals, 34 assists, and 50 points. Furthermore, he was up to 23:23 of average ice time.
The great season was capped off by finding his way onto the Team Canada 4 Nations Face-Off roster. It took a couple injuries, to Shea Theodore and Cale Makar, but Harley did manage to get into the lineup. It was a reward for being such a dynamic defender for his club-side Dallas.
What Does It Mean for Harley and the Stars
His confidence has only continued to rise. Being selected for the Team Canada orientation camp in the summer was recognition for a job well done. So far in 2025-26, he’s done nothing to disappoint. He’s already up to eight points through nine games, and plays over 23 minutes again, like last year. Heck, he even has 29 blocked shots to throw in there.
Now, this does mean something big for Dallas as a whole. It means that Jason Robertson won’t have as much money available. The Stars have been a hot topic when it comes to moves, especially after acquiring Mikko Rantanen. There’s only so much money to go around, but locking up a key defenceman like Harley, was a priority. The question will be, can they still sign Robertson? Time will tell, but they did get who they wanted by signing Harley long term.
Main Photo Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
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