Thomas Harley is an American-born Canadian professional ice hockey defenseman, currently playing for the Dallas Stars in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on August 19, 2001, in Syracuse, New York, Harley was drafted 18th overall by the Stars in the first round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. Known for his puck-moving ability and offensive instincts, Harley has become a cornerstone on the Stars’ blue line and has represented Team Canada in international play.
Career Highlights
- Junior Success: Harley excelled in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Mississauga Steelheads, winning the 2019 Bobby Smith Trophy as OHL Scholastic Player of the Year and being named to the OHL Third All-Star Team.
- Professional Debut: After being drafted, Harley developed in the AHL with the Texas Stars, quickly establishing himself as a top offensive defenseman and earning a spot in the 2023 AHL All-Star Game.
- NHL Breakthrough: Harley made his NHL debut with Dallas in the 2021–22 season and recorded his first NHL point and goal that year. By 2023–24, he had secured a regular spot, often playing on the top defensive pairing and quarterbacking the power play.
- International Play: Harley has represented Canada at the IIHF U20 World Juniors, winning a silver medal in 2021.
Recent Performance and Impact
During the 2023–24 season, Harley emerged as one of the league’s top young defensemen, finishing with 15 goals and 32 assists for 47 points in 79 games, while averaging over 21 minutes of ice time per game. His role increased significantly when teammate Miro Heiskanen was injured, leading to Harley’s power play time nearly doubling and the Stars’ power play percentage surging to 27.1%, among the NHL’s best. Harley’s ability to handle top defensive assignments and contribute offensively has drawn comparisons to elite NHL defensemen.
In September 2024, Harley signed a two-year, $8 million contract extension with Dallas, cementing his place as a foundational piece for the franchise.
Unique Aspects
- Harley is recognized as one of the most underrated defensemen in the NHL, often flying under the radar despite his top-10 production among blueliners.
- He holds dual citizenship (USA and Canada) but has chosen to represent Canada internationally.
- Harley’s rapid development, especially in high-pressure situations like filling in for injured stars, has made him a key figure in Dallas’ playoff runs and a rising candidate for league-wide honors such as the Norris Trophy.
Career Stats Summary
| Season | Team | GP | G | A | Pts | TOI (avg) |
| 2023-24 | Dallas Stars | 79 | 15 | 32 | 47 | 21.01 |
| Playoffs | Dallas Stars | 19 | 1 | 8 | 9 | – |
| Career NHL* | Dallas Stars | – | – | – | – | – |
Net Worth
Thomas Harley, a defenseman for the Dallas Stars, signed a two-year, $8 million contract extension with the team in September 2024, which pays him an average annual salary of $4 million. Prior to this extension, his annual salary was approximately $863,334 during the 2023-24 season.
Estimated Net Worth:
Based on his current contract and previous earnings, Thomas Harley’s net worth is estimated to be in the range of $3 million to $6 million as of 2025. This estimate considers his NHL salaries, signing bonuses, and excludes taxes, agent fees, and personal expenses. Harley’s career earnings will increase significantly over the next two years due to his new contract.
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These figures reflect Harley’s on-ice earnings and do not account for potential endorsements or investments, which could further impact his net worth.
Thomas Harley is recognized as a dynamic, offensively skilled defenseman with a strong two-way game, and his point production has placed him among the top young defensemen in the NHL in recent seasons.
