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Dallas Stars Daily Links: Thomas Harley Eyeing a Future in Dallas

Thomas Harley missed out on a gold medal at the 2020 World Junior Championship when he was one of the final cuts made by Team Canada. But instead of working toward making the team next year, the Dallas Stars’ 2019 draft pick is focused on making the NHL squad:

“I think I’m pretty close,” Harley said. “I can’t speak for (what Stars GM) Jim Nill or (interim head coach) Rick Bowness is thinking about me, but I think I’m pretty close to being able to play at that level… another year in the (OHL) and just going to training camp next year without being my first year is going to help me a lot.”

Like Miro Heiskanen before him, Harley has a good chance of making his NHL debut just a year after being drafted. The Stars’ blue line has a couple of defensemen on expiring contracts, though if Harley wants to take one of their spots, he still has some improvements to make:

“…I’m definitely focusing on [my work in the defensive zone] this year,” Harley said. “I think it’s improving with every week … it’s slow, but it’s getting there. And just kind of working on getting bigger and stronger, not trying to sound cliche here, but it’s true and what I’m working on — the NHL is a man’s game. I’m not quite there yet, but hopefully this year and another summer gets me close enough.”

You can read more about Harley from Sean Shapiro here.


Stars Stories

Tyler Seguin finally snapped his goalless streak in last night’s win over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Here’s what he had to say about getting the monkey off his back:

The puck from the goal will go to Jason Robertson, however, who scored his first NHL point with the secondary assist:

All in all, it was a pretty big day for the Stars:


Around the League

It was a mixed bag for the Central Division last night:

  • The Colorado Avalanche lost some ground in the fight for the division crown thanks to a 3-2 loss to the Washington Capitals. [Japers’ Rink]
  • The St. Louis Blues at least managed to edge out a point, falling in 6-5 to the Vegas Golden Knights in overtime. [NHL]
  • Meanwhile, Craig Smith scored a hat trick as the Nashville Predators went to town on the New York Islanders, blowing them out 5-0. [On the Forecheck]
  • Finally, the Minnesota Wild lost a nail-biter against the other New York team, losing to the Rangers 4-3 in the shootout. [Blueshirt Banter]/

Speaking of which… are we sure this Artemi Panarin goal isn’t illegal?

The Chicago Blackhawks won’t trade Robin Lehner, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t consider it:


Speaking of trades, Julius Honka is one of several NHL prospects who could be on the move before the end of the month:

Greg Wyshynski details everything that’s wrong with the NHL Olympics debate in his latest Wysh List:

Here’s you weekly reminder that the NHL Department of Player Safety is a sham:

In case you need a refresher…


Finally…

I love Jamie Benn:

Talking Points