"Harley signed a massive $10.587 million AAV extension last October, which kicks in next season. With the Stars looking to re-sign key pieces like Jason Robertson and Mavrik Bourque, and with only around $11 million in cap space available, something has to give. Moving Harley would be one of the clearest ways to create flexibility."
"Harley plays the left side, the same as Miro Heiskanen, who firmly holds the top-pair role and quarterbacks the power play. As long as Heiskanen is in Dallas, Harley is likely capped as a second-pair defenseman being paid like a first-pair player. On this roster, it's fair to question whether he can consistently produce more than 50 points."
"Harley brings elite mobility, strong puck-moving ability, and a willingness to join the rush, while still being responsible defensively. That's exactly the type of player the Leafs have been missing on the back end. With Morgan Rielly continuing to prove he cannot handle top-pair minutes, Harley could slide into a major role immediately."
"And with roughly $22 million in cap space, the Leafs are in a position to absorb his contract and give him the ice time and opportunity to grow into a true number-one defenseman."
Thomas Harley has been a consistent presence for the Dallas Stars, but his most recent season and playoffs showed a noticeable decline. He signed a $10.587 million AAV extension that begins next season, while Dallas faces limited cap space and must re-sign key players such as Jason Robertson and Mavrik Bourque. Moving Harley could create financial flexibility. Roster fit is also a concern because Harley plays left side alongside Miro Heiskanen, who occupies top-pair minutes and runs the power play. Toronto could be a strong match because Harley offers mobility, puck-moving, and defensive responsibility, and the Leafs have sufficient cap space to absorb his contract and provide major minutes.
Read at Editor In Leaf
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]