he 23-year-old defenseman, recently signing a two-year contract extension, aims to be a leader on the blueline.
This season, the Stars’ defenseman shuffle will impact nearly every player on the blueline, but the effort to reach this point provides clarity to the changes.
On paper, Miro Heiskanen can effectively play on his natural left side alongside Matt Dumba, achieving notable success. Esa Lindell, a seasoned veteran, can assist Nils Lundkvist in advancing his career. By pairing with reliable defender Ilya Lyubushkin, Thomas Harley may have the opportunity to showcase his skills more fully.
“It is a challenge to elevate your game and take that leadership role. I think he’s ready for that,” said Stars assistant coach Misha Donskov, who was subbing in for head coach Pete DeBoer during media duties before Friday’s 4-2 win over Colorado. “He had a great off-season. He’s good with the puck and confident with the puck. I think he’s ready for more.”
The Education of Harley: A Blueprint for Young NHL Defensemen
Thomas Harley’s path exemplifies the preparation of a young defenseman for the NHL. Drafted 18th overall in 2019, he faced challenges during the COVID shutdown in the OHL. He spent two months with the Stars in the Edmonton bubble, participating in meetings and practices as the team reached the Stanley Cup Final. Subsequently, he balanced time between the NHL and AHL until DeBoer decided he needed further development.
In the 2022-23 season, Harley played 66 games in the AHL before being called up to assist the Stars in the Western Conference Final. He then became a regular in the lineup, achieving a breakthrough season with 15 goals and 47 points in 79 games, leading to a two-year contract extension at ** $ 4 million per season.**
“I’m really happy for him,” DeBoer remarked upon the contract news, highlighting Harley’s evolution from the AHL to becoming one of the elite young defensemen in the league.
Stars GM Jim Nill praised Harley’s journey, acknowledging the setbacks during the pandemic that hindered his development. He expressed admiration for the turnaround facilitated by hard work and dedication, both from Harley and coaching staff.
Harley emphasized the significance of his development process. While in the AHL, he focused on refining his game and enhancing his defensive skills. “It’s a process,” he noted, stressing the value of time and effort.
Reflecting on his growth, he stated, “I’m a completely different player… just my habits out there.” These enhanced habits position him to take charge in defensive pairings this season, particularly with Ilya Lyubushkin.
Assistant Coach Alain Nasreddine acknowledged that pairing Harley with a steady defender like Lyubushkin is advantageous, while noting that readiness takes time. “When he plays his best hockey, he moves his feet, moves the puck, and joins the rush,” he explained. However, he stressed the importance of defending, a lesson Harley embraced last season.
In a recent practice, Harley and Tyler Seguin discussed running a play; Harley executed it flawlessly, showing his growth on the ice.
Got the lead right back 👏@budlight | #TexasHockey pic.twitter.com/5R0w0VZD1q
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) September 28, 2024
“I don’t know if anyone else knew the play but us, but it worked out,” Seguin said.
Seguin and Matt Duchene were the two top players for Dallas on Friday. Duchene had two goals and an assist. Seguin had a goal and two assists. Kole Lind had a goal and four shots on net to aid his efforts in making the opening night roster. Dallas is now 4-0-0 in preseason. Harley played 20:08 and had eight shot attempts.
Harley didn’t sign his two-year contract extension until the day before camp started, and said that was another part of his education.
“I was confident it was going to be done. That was never in doubt,” Harley said. “But it was a grind.”
Harley was able to get just two years, and that opens up the opportunity that his next deal will be much bigger. That was a gutsy strategy, Seguin said.
“It’s great to see,” Seguin said. “He’s betting on himself, signing a two-year deal. He has confidence he can put up another 15-plus [goals].”
Playing beside Lyubushkin, it might be the perfect fit.
“I know how good I am and how I can help this team win,” Harley said. “If I can do that every night, I’ll be happy.”
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