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Thomas Harley Praises 'Culture' in Dallas After Signing $84.7M Contract

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ankit Kumar | Last updated Oct 29, 2025 10:06 PM ET

Thomas Harley spoke about the strong team culture in Dallas after signing his new contract. The defenseman agreed to an eight-year, $84.696 million extension with the Dallas Stars. The deal runs through the 2033–34 season, and it has an average annual value of $10.587 million. It makes Harley one of the highest-paid defensemen in the NHL.

Speaking to the media after Tuesday's 1-0 win against the Washington Capitals, Harley said he was happy to have the deal done.

“It’s a relief to just get it done and be able to play the rest of this year out,” Harley said. “To know I’m here for the next nine years is fantastic. Very happy.”

Harley’s new contract places him fourth among NHL defensemen in AAV. Only Erik Karlsson ($11.5M), Rasmus Dahlin ($11M) and Drew Doughty ($11M) are ahead of him. Harley sits just above Evan Bouchard, Zach Werenski, right Fox, Seth Jones and Charlie McAvoy, who each earn between $9.25 and $10.5 million.

Evan Bouchard’s new contract that he signed today, put him as the fourth highest paid defenceman in the league by AAV. pic.twitter.com/w8AvmwGLP9
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) July 1, 2025

When asked what made him want to stay, Harley praised the organization.

“Just the culture that’s been built here,” Harley said. “It’s one of respect and kindness and winning. The group we have here is great, and it’s going to continue to be great.”

Harley, 24, has become one of Dallas’s most dependable players. Last season, he recorded 16 goals and 34 assists for 50 points in 78 games. He also finished with a +32 rating and averaged more than 23 minutes of ice time.

This season, Harley has one goal and seven assists for eight points in ten games. He continues to show calmness with the puck and good defensive awareness. Over his career, he holds a +58 rating, showing his strength on the blueline.

In the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Harley had 14 points in 18 games. He helped Dallas reach the Western Conference Final for the third straight year. They failed to go beyond that, but his steady play has made him a key part of the team.

Despite the same results in the playoffs, Harley believes in the future of the team.

“We’re going to be a competitive team for a long time,” Harley said. “That’s part of why I chose to stay here and sign for so long. Hopefully, I can be a big part of that.”

With Harley signed long-term, Dallas has secured its young core, including players like Roope Hintz and Jake Oettinger. His new deal is a step toward building a consistent winning team in Dallas.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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