Thomas Harley, the 24‑year‑old blueliner for the Dallas Stars, has just been placed at No. 37 on The Hockey News’ annual top‑100 list of the best NHL players.
His rise reflects not only his defensive reliability but also his ability to jump into the offensive rush when the Stars need a spark, especially during the absence of Miro Heiskanen.
A clutch performer on the international stage
Harley’s breakout moments have come on the world’s biggest stages. He helped Team Canada to a strong showing at the 4 Nations Face‑Off and contributed four points in six games at the recent Olympics, where his defensive play and breakout passes were pivotal.
Partnering with Nils Lundkvist for over 23 minutes per night, Harley has become a trusted pairing for the Stars, often shouldering the bulk of ice time when the team is shorthanded.
With the playoffs looming, Dallas is projected to meet the Minnesota Wild in the first round. The Stars are chasing their first championship since 1999, and Harley is expected to be a central figure in that pursuit.
Drafted 18th overall in 2019, Harley has steadily carved out a role that belies his rookie status, earning praise for his versatility and big‑game poise. As the Stars aim to extend their season, his presence on the blue line could prove decisive.