It’s time for another edition of NHL rumours. We’re almost ready for the Labor Day holiday in the United States and that means training camps are starting soon. However, the work isn’t done for general managers around the league. There are still a number of restricted free agents that need to sign deals. We’ve seen plenty of times where both sides go right up against the start of training camp. However, fans can’t help but a little bit nervous that a deal hasn’t gotten done. This edition of NHL rumours deals with talks between the Dallas Stars and one of their RFA blueliners.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Talks Ongoing Between Dallas Stars and Blueliner
Rumour: David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period takes a look at the status of contract talks between the Stars and defenceman Thomas Harley. The blueliner is a restricted free agent that’s currently unsigned as of press time.
Only update I’ve gotten from all parties is talks are “ongoing” between the Stars & Harley’s camp. Neither side seemed overly concerned today, but it’s a negotiation. https://t.co/aYpWNJcfkk
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) August 26, 2024
Analysis: Harley does feature prominently in the Stars plans and adds to one of the most talented blueline groups in the league. However, him and Stars General Manager Jim Nill have yet to come to an agreement.
Pagnotta points out that talks are still ongoing, but neither side is too concerned at this point. The 23-year-old is coming off a breakout season where he bagged 15 goals and totaled 47 points.
Harley is looking for a raise from his previous cap hit of $925,000. The Syracuse, NY native, who holds dual U.S. and Canadian citizenship, was the 18th overall pick of the 2019 NHL Draft.
Shining Star
One of Dallas’ main strengths is their defence led by players like Miro Heiskanen and Esa Lindell. However, Harley is the latest find that has complimented this very good group.
This is another case of Nill adding another future star through the draft. A good portion of this Stars lineup has come via the draft and Harley is turning into a future franchise cornerstone.
However, future franchise cornerstones need to get paid like future stalwarts. He did get a qualifying offer of $874,125, but the 6-foot, 3-inch blueliner has yet to sign it.
What’s the Damage?
Nill has tried to right by his younger players and wants to get Harley a decent deal. Pagnotta did state the talks are still a “negotiation” meaning that there’s likely a lot of back-and-forth between the two sides.
However, the main question is going to be the final numbers and term for Harley when the smoke clears. Does Harley sign a bridge deal with more money or does he go for a longer deal?
Evolving Hockey has the most likely scenario for Harley being a two-year deal at $3.9 million. The next most-likely scenario sees Harley taking a six-year or an eight-year pact.
Fans will always show concern when a deal hasn’t been signed with less than a month before training camp. However, Nill has said himself there’s been constant talks between the two sides. A deal is probably going to get done sooner rather than later, but the great Tom Petty said “the waiting is the hardest part.”
Main photo by: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
