Thomas Harley signed a two-year, $8 million contract with the Dallas Stars on Tuesday. It has an average annual value of $4 million.
The 23-year-old defenseman, who was a restricted free agent, had 47 points (15 goals, 32 assists) in 79 games with the Stars last season. He had four assists in 19 games during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
“I was confident it was always going to get done, that was never in doubt," Harley said. "But it was a grind. ... I’ve seen it with other guys, so you’ve got some knowledge, but first-hand is different for sure. Little more stressful. It’s just a grind, that’s all it is.”
A first-round pick by the Stars (No. 18) in the 2019 NHL Draft, Harley has 53 points (16 goals, 37 assists) in 119 regular-season games, and 13 points (one goal, 12 assists) in 39 career playoff games with Dallas.
"Thomas is one of the league’s top young defensemen,” Dallas general manager Jim Nill said. “His performance last season was a testament to the way that he has worked on and off the ice to become a better player. We are looking forward to his continued growth and helping anchor our blueline for many years to come.”
Also on Tuesday,Esa Lindell signed a five-year, $26.25 million contract with the Stars. It has an average annual value of $5.25 million and begins next season.
The 30-year-old defenseman is entering the final season of a six-year, $34.8 million contract he signed with Dallas on May 16, 2019, and could have become an unrestricted free agent after this season.
NHL.com independent correspondent Taylor Baird contributed to this report
