### Dallas Stars Secure Future by Re-Signing Thomas Harley to a Major Contract Extension The Dallas Stars have made a significant move to solidify their defense by re-signing 24-year-old defenseman Thomas Harley to an eight-year contract extension valued at $84.696 million. This deal, which averages $10.587 million annually, is set to begin next season and will keep Harley with the team through the 2033-34 season. Harley has emerged as a key player for the Stars, currently ranking seventh among NHL defensemen in scoring with one goal and seven assists in the first ten games of the season, marking a promising start to his campaign [https://apnews.com/article/dallas-stars-thomas-harley-476a1c4c44150ce0c6622b61f488af3e][https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/dallas-stars-sign-defenseman-thomas-harley-to-eight-year-84-696-million-contract-extension-102825]. ### Breakdown of the Contract and Its Implications 1. **Contract Details**: - Eight-year extension worth $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][https://www.thescore.com/nhl/news/3381060/stars-sign-harley-to-8-year-84-7m-extension]. 2. **Player Performance**: - Harley has recorded eight points in ten games this season, showcasing his offensive capabilities [https://www.nhl.com/news/thomas-harley-signs-8-year-contract-with-dallas-stars]. - Last season, he achieved career highs with 16 goals and 50 points in 78 games, and he played a crucial role in the playoffs, contributing 14 points in 18 games [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/stars_thomas_harley_reportedly_closing_in_on_8_year_extension/s1_16448_42978853]. 3. **Team Strategy**: - The extension secures a vital piece of the Stars' blue line, allowing them to maintain a strong defensive core alongside Miro Heiskanen [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/what_does_the_stars_thomas_harley_extension_mean_for_jason_robertson/s1_13132_42978308]. - This move is seen as a strategic investment in the team's future, especially as Harley could have become a restricted free agent after this season [https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/hockey/news/stars-thomas-harley-inks-long-term-extension]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Contract Value**: $84.696 million over eight years, averaging $10.587 million annually. - **Performance Metrics**: - **2025-26 Season**: 8 points in 10 games. - **2024-25 Season**: 16 goals, 34 assists, totaling 50 points in 78 games. - **Playoff Performance**: 14 points in 18 games, averaging 25:58 minutes of ice time [https://www.flashscore.com/news/dallas-stars-thomas-harley-signs-eight-year-84-7-million-contract-extension/IPjNvXdn][https://www.nhl.com/news/thomas-harley-signs-8-year-contract-with-dallas-stars]. ### Conclusion: A Strategic Move for the Dallas Stars In summary, the Dallas Stars' decision to re-sign Thomas Harley is a strategic investment in their defensive lineup, ensuring they retain a top-tier player for the long term. 1. **Contract Significance**: The eight-year, $84.696 million deal secures Harley's position as a cornerstone of the team's defense. 2. **Player Impact**: Harley's impressive performance metrics highlight his value, making him a critical asset for the Stars moving forward. 3. **Future Outlook**: This extension not only strengthens the current roster but also positions the Stars favorably for future seasons, as they continue to build a competitive team around key players like Harley and Heiskanen [https://www.si.com/onsi/breakaway/dallas-stars/dallas-stars-thomas-harley-eight-year-contract-extension][https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/stars_lock_up_thomas_harley_with_long_term_extension/s1_16454_42978184].