FRISCO, Texas — Dallas Stars coach Glen Gulutzan said Wednesday that his conversations with Thomas Harley and Jason Robertson are about hockey. This summer, Harley’s name came up in trade talks and Robertson signed a one-year deal.
Gulutzan said coaches are not part of contract decisions.
“I think everyone’s human, so there’s things that go on,” Gulutzan said. “I think from a coaching standpoint, the way our game operates, and it’s good, it’s good this way, especially for a coach, is that we’re not involved in a lot of those decisions. Contract stuff and that, we’re not involved in it. So when I talk to the players, Harls and Robo, it’s about hockey. So that’s a nice part of it. But certainly as a coach, you’re aware of everything that’s going on outside and everything.”
“But coaches and players are a little bit more connected in that regard than probably coaches and management are, just the way our game is run,” Gulutzan continued. “So it makes it easier for a coach when you’re dealing with them, because we’re just talking hockey. The moment they walk in that room and they see me or Naz or Graham or whatever, it’s just like we’re talking hockey. We’re not talking money and everything else. So that’s nice.”
Thomas Harley Remains With Dallas Stars After Zach Werenski Trade Falls Through
On July 1, ESPN reported that Columbus defenseman Zach Werenski used the full no-movement clause in his contract to veto a trade to Dallas. The Stars and Blue Jackets had agreed in principle earlier that week. Multiple reports identified Harley as the centerpiece.
Stars general manager Jim Nill said on NHL Network that he reached Harley as soon as Harley’s name surfaced, and that the two would sit down again once Harley returned to Dallas.
Harley’s eight-year, $84.696 million contract begins this season. It carries a $10.587 million average annual value and runs through 2033-34. Last season he had 6 goals, 30 assists, and 36 points in 70 games and averaged 23:03 of ice time. Against the Minnesota Wild in the first round, he did not have a point in six games. He also played for Canada at the Milano Cortina Olympics in February.
Jason Robertson Plays On One-Year Dallas Stars Contract
Robertson signed a one-year, $12 million contract on July 21. Nill has said the team’s plan is to try to get Robertson signed to a longer deal.
Last season Robertson led Dallas with 45 goals, 51 assists, and 96 points in 82 games. In June, he was named to the NHL’s First All-Star Team.
Gulutzan named Robertson among the younger players who have told him they want a bigger leadership role. In August, Pro Hockey Rumors, working from PuckPedia figures, listed Dallas at $1,360,333 over the $104 million upper limit.
Camp opens Thursday at Comerica Center. The Stars open the regular season against the St. Louis Blues on Oct. 2 at American Airlines Center at 8 p.m. CT on TNT.
