Last year, when the Dallas Stars met the Edmonton Oilers in the 2024 Western Conference Final, not many people noticed Thomas Harley. With names like Miro Heiskanen, Esa Lindell, Chris Tanev, and Ryan Suter on the blue line, Harley’s contributions flew under the radar. But fast forward to this year, and the 23-year-old defenseman is impossible to ignore.
Harley has not just stepped up—he’s standing out. With 4 goals and 11 points in 13 playoff games, he’s now just one point behind Edmonton’s Evan Bouchard for the most playoff points by a defenseman through two rounds. His journey to the top has been quiet but impressive.
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During the first 10 games of this year’s playoffs, Heiskanen was recovering from a knee injury, so Harley was asked to carry a major load. Even after Heiskanen returned, Harley’s ice time didn’t drop. In fact, Harley led all players in the NHL in minutes played through the first two playoff rounds.
That shows just how much the coaching staff trusts him. Playing in all situations—power play, penalty kill, and even strength—he has shown maturity beyond his years. And with just two full NHL seasons under his belt, this is only the beginning.
From AHL to NHL Leader
Harley’s story isn’t one of instant success. He was drafted 18th overall in 2019 and played just one game during the Stars’ 2020 playoff run. Most of his early pro years were spent in the AHL with the Texas Stars, developing his game.
Everything changed in spring 2023 when he was called up and played in all 19 of the Stars’ playoff games. Since then, he hasn’t looked back.
Stars veteran Matt Duchene admitted he didn’t know much about Harley when he joined the team. But that changed quickly. “Right away, you could see he’s very good,” Duchene said. “He came back stronger this season, put on some good weight, and started looking more like a complete player.”
Calm, Composed and Clutch
It’s not just Harley’s talent that stands out. His calm and steady personality has impressed both teammates and coaches. Even in high-pressure games, he remains cool and focused.
This was clear during the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, where Harley was called in as a last-minute replacement for Cale Makar. He held his own in a chaotic game against the USA and then stepped up again in the final, replacing Josh Morrissey, assisting on a goal, and logging nearly 22 minutes.
“No big deal,” Duchene joked. “He’s calm, confident, and just does his job. He’s already a star.”
Best in Class from 2019 Draft
Harley was the sixth defenseman taken in the 2019 NHL Draft, but when Game 1 of the 2025 Western Conference Final begins, he’ll be skating in his 53rd career playoff game—more than anyone else from that draft class.
His 24 playoff points are the highest among all players picked that year. For comparison, Cole Caufield has 16, and Bowen Byram, the next-best defenseman, has 12. Harley has quietly built one of the best playoff resumes of any young player in the league.
Olympic Dream and a Bright Future
Harley’s rapid rise means he could soon be wearing the Team Canada jersey again—this time at the 2026 Winter Olympics. With his skill, poise, and growing experience, he’s likely to be a strong candidate.
And in Dallas, he’s becoming as important as Heiskanen on defense. That’s a good problem to have for coach Peter DeBoer.
“He’s already a No. 1 defenseman in this league,” Duchene said. “And we’re lucky—we’ve got two of them.”
Thomas Harley’s journey is a great example of patience, hard work, and quiet confidence. From being overlooked just a year ago, he has now become one of the most valuable defensemen in the NHL playoffs. As the Stars chase the Stanley Cup, Harley continues to grow into a leader on and off the ice.
With more big moments ahead, fans should get used to hearing his name a lot more—because he’s not just a part of the future, he’s already shaping it.
