The defensive core for the Dallas Stars is a lock over the next several years. Thomas Harley signed a contract extension for the next eight years. The core of Miro Heiskanen, Esa Lindell, and Thomas Harley will headline the blue line for at least four more years. Harley proved himself as the quintessential defenseman for the Stars last season. Taking a leadership role after Heiskanen’s injury proved he has what it takes to be a top defenseman on the Stars. His dollar value leaves little wiggle room for another restricted free agent after this season.
Harls
Thomas Harley entered the spotlight when Heiskanen went down for an injury from January until the end of last season. He saw top ice time, averaging 23:23 per game. He is everywhere, providing an incredible boost to offensive and defensive plays. His +48 in 207 games makes him a valuable asset on the ice. Five of his 33 career goals are overtime-winners, not including his series-winning goal last season against Winnipeg. Harley is a threat everywhere on the ice. Harley joins rushes and backchecks frivolously, rapidly cementing himself as elite-level talent on the Stars’ blueline.
Contract
His extension comes at an 8-year, $10.587 million AAV. That is the 2nd contract in franchise history to break the $10 million AAV mark behind Mikko Rantanen. Jim Nill locked him down to a contract from age 24 to 32. The NHL raising the cap ceiling next season to $104 million provides some wiggle room to sign Jason Robertson to an extension. Harley is one of the many members of the young core of the Stars to receive an extension, meaning these are the guys Jim Nill sees taking this team to a long-awaited Stanley Cup title.
The Stars are locked in with an incredible defensive core. This team is one Robertson extension away from becoming a staple for several years. The Stars’ future is bright despite their arena troubles. Thomas Harley adds to the growing list of key core players providing exceptional talent on the ice. Another 8-year contract allows these players to show their commitment to this team. Harley even said he celebrated with a DiGiorno pizza. He can buy his own pizza chain with the $84 million contract he just signed.
Photo Credit: @Br_OpenIce
Dallas Stars Nation Blogger. You can time how fast I skate with a calendar. Lifetime GAA about 12.50.
Tags: dallas stars jim nill Mikko Rantanen Miro Heiskanen Thomas Harley
Categorized: Stars