### Dallas Stars Secure Future by Signing Thomas Harley to an Eight-Year Extension The Dallas Stars have made a significant move to solidify their defensive lineup by signing 24-year-old defenseman Thomas Harley to an eight-year contract extension worth $84.696 million. This deal, which averages $10.587 million annually, will commence next season and run through the 2033-34 season. Harley, who is currently in his third full season with the Stars, has made a notable impact on the ice, recording one goal and seven assists in the first ten games of the current season, placing him seventh among NHL defensemen in scoring as of the announcement date [https://apnews.com/article/dallas-stars-thomas-harley-476a1c4c44150ce0c6622b61f488af3e]. ### Breakdown of the Contract and Its Implications 1. **Contract Details**: - Eight-year extension valued at $84.696 million. - Average annual value of $10.587 million, making him the fourth-highest-paid defenseman in the NHL [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/stars_lock_up_thomas_harley_with_long_term_extension/s1_16454_42978184]. 2. **Player Performance**: - Harley has recorded eight points in ten games this season, marking the best start of his career. - Last season, he achieved career highs with 16 goals and 50 points in 78 games, and he was a key player during the playoffs, contributing 14 points in 18 games [https://www.thescore.com/nhl/news/3381060/stars-sign-harley-to-8-year-84-7-m-extension]. 3. **Team Strategy**: - The extension secures a critical piece of the Stars' defense alongside Miro Heiskanen, ensuring a strong defensive presence for years to come. - The Stars now have over $17 million in cap space for the next season, allowing them to consider further roster enhancements while planning for future contracts, including that of forward Jason Robertson [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/what_does_the_stars_thomas_harley_extension_mean_for_jason_robertson/s1_13132_42978308]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Performance Metrics**: - **2025-26 Season Start**: 8 points in 10 games. - **Previous Season**: 16 goals, 34 assists, and 50 points in 78 games. - **Playoff Performance**: 14 points in 18 games, averaging 25:58 minutes of ice time [https://www.nbcsports.com/nhl/news/stars-sign-defenseman-harley-to-eight-year-contract-extension]. - **Contract Comparisons**: - Harley's new contract places him just behind top defensemen like Drew Doughty, Rasmus Dahlin, and Erik Karlsson, indicating his rising status in the league [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/stars_thomas_harley_reportedly_closing_in_on_8_year_extension/s1_16448_42978853]. ### Conclusion: A Strategic Move for the Stars In summary, the Dallas Stars' decision to extend Thomas Harley's contract is a strategic investment in their defensive future. 1. **Long-Term Security**: The eight-year deal ensures that Harley, a key player, remains with the team through the 2033-34 season. 2. **Performance Assurance**: His impressive start to the season and past performance indicate he will continue to be a valuable asset. 3. **Team Dynamics**: This move not only strengthens the Stars' blue line but also provides flexibility in future roster decisions, particularly regarding other key players like Jason Robertson. Overall, this extension reflects the Stars' commitment to building a competitive team capable of contending for championships in the coming years [https://www.si.com/onsi/breakaway/dallas-stars/dallas-stars-thomas-harley-eight-year-contract-extension].