NHL Hockey Player News

Pittsburgh has placed Ryan Shea on waivers Monday.

Shea has been a regular in the lineup for the Penguins this season but has been a healthy scratch for the last three games. His placement on unconditional waivers coincides with Chad Ruhwedel preparing to return to the Penguins lineup and Pierre-Olivier Joseph returning last week.

Ryan Shea
Washington has placed Lucas Johansen on waivers.

Johansen was the 28th overall pick of the Washington Capitals in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft and has remained with the organization the entire time, playing predominantly with the Hershey Bears of the AHL. He has played nine total games with the Capitals in his career, including six this season, tallying one point (0G / 1A) and a +1 plus/minus.

Lucas Johansen
Aaron Ekblad (lower body) took part in morning skate and is likely to return Monday vs. Calgary.

Ekblad left Thursday's game with a lower-body injury, did not play on Saturday, but is likely to return to action on Monday against the Calgary Flames. Through 13 games this season, Ekblad has four points (0G / 4A) and is averaging a career-low 21:02 time-on-ice, playing predominantly alongside Gustav Forsling on the Panthers' top defensive pair.

Aaron Ekblad
Travis Sanheim (illness) will return to the Flyers' lineup Tuesday in New Jersey.

Sanheim did not play in Saturday's 1-0 victory over the Detroit Red Wings due to an illness but will return to the lineup on Tuesday against the New Jersey Devils. Sanheim was recently replaced by Cam York on the Flyers' top powerplay unit but has still managed to be productive, scoring five even-strength points in his last five games (2G / 3A).

Travis Sanheim
Patrick Laine (clavicle fracture) has been placed on the Injured Reserve retroactive to December 14th.

Laine was seemingly turning the corner on what had already been a disappointing season, scoring five points (3G / 2A) in his last six games, but will instead be sidelined for the next several weeks with a clavicle fracture. Laine had already missed 12 games this season due to injuries, which is becoming a regularity for the Finnish forward. He has only played more than 60 games in a season once since the 2019-20 season.

Patrik Laine
Vladimir Tarasenko (personal) was back at Ottawa's practice in full Monday.

Tarasenko was a late scratch on Friday and subsequently did not play on Sunday as he tended to family matters away from the team. He was back at practice on Monday and will likely return to the lineup on Tuesday against the Arizona Coyotes. After averaging only 1.4 shot per game during a seven-game stretch with three points (0G / 3A), Tarasenko has been more involved lately, seeing his ice-time increase by 97 seconds per game, scoring six points (3G / 3A) and averaging 3.1 shots in seven games.

Vladimir Tarasenko
Jack Quinn (achilles) has a possibility to make his season debut Tuesday vs. Columbus.

Before the start of the season, Quinn was scheduled to return around Christmas and appears on course to do so as soon as Tuesday against the Columbus Blue Jackets as he completes his recovery from Achilles surgery. Quinn had a solid rookie season, scoring 14 goals with 23 assists (37 points) in 75 games. At practice on Monday, he skated on a line with Tage Thompson and Zach Benson.

Jack Quinn
Matthew Poitras has been loaned to the Canada National Junior Team and will be returned after the World Jr Tournament.

Poitras has been impressive in his rookie season with the Bruins but has seen a decline in his play lately, scoring only six points (1G / 5A) in his last 16 games after scoring seven points (4G / 3A) in his 11 games prior. The Bruins hope participating in the World Jr Tournament along with Team Canada can help him elevate his game and re-spark his confidence.

Matthew Poitras
Chris Tanev (upper body) is expected to return Monday vs. Florida.

Tanev has not played since exiting the Flames December 11th contest against the Colorado Avalanche in the period. Tanev has been a steadying force on the blueline for the Flames this season, recording seven points (1G / 6A), 65 blocks, and 11 hits through 28 games, playing predominantly alongside Noah Hanifin on the Flames top defensive pair.

Chris Tanev
Calle Clang has been recalled from San Diego (AHL).

Clang was the 77th overall pick of the Ducks in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft and has a 3.76 GAA and .882 SV% in 12 games (2-7-2) with the San Diego Gulls of the AHL this season. John Gibson exited Sunday's contest against the New Jersey Devils in the second period and might be unable to suit up on Monday against the Detroit Red Wings, meaning Clang would likely serve as the backup to Lukas Dostal.

Calle Clang
Auston Matthews (illness) was a full participant in Toronto's practice Monday.

Matthews was a late scratch and did not play on Saturday due to an illness but appears to be on track to return for the Maple Leafs' next contest on Tuesday against the New York Rangers. Matthews is producing at an alarming rate, with 10 points (7G / 3A) during a four-game point streak.

Auston Matthews
Gibson (dehydration) left Sunday's game and is questionable to be available for Monday.

Gibson allowed one goal on 19 shots before leaving Sunday's win in New Jersey due to dehydration. Lukas Dostal stopped all 10 shots that he faced in relief. Since Gibson played just two periods and played well, there's a chance that they go back to Gibson on Monday if he's feeling better. That said, the Ducks recalled Calle Clang from the San Diego Gulls (AHL) on Monday, suggesting that Gibson might be unavailable.

John Gibson
Marc-Andre Fleury will start Tuesday in Boston.

Minnesota will turn to Fleury on the back end of a back-to-back when they face off against the Boston Bruins. The veteran netminder and future half-of-famer has only played one of the last seven games for Minnesota as Filip Gustavsson has demanded the crease with exceptional play lately. Fleury has a 3.29 GAA and .887 SV% through 11 games this season (4-5-2) while posting a quality start rate of only 45.5%, the lowest total of his career.

Marc-Andre Fleury
Alex Nedeljkovic will start Monday vs. Minnesota.

Nedeljkovic will start on Monday after allowing three goals in relief of Tristan Jarry on 21 shots (.857 SV%) in Saturday's 7-0 blowout loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Discounting Saturday's relief appearance, Nedeljkovic has been tremendous when called upon lately, posting an excellent .946 SV% in his last four outings (2-1-1). The Penguins are -120 home favourites on Monday as they will be desperate to rebound against a Minnesota Wild team that has won three straight games but is averaging only 1.8 goals per game over their last five contests (3-2-0).

Alex Nedeljkovic
Jacob Markstrom will start Monday vs. Florida.

Markstrom has not played since December 2nd due to a fractured finger but will return to his role as the starting goalie on Monday against the Florida Panthers. Before his injury, Markstrom recorded a point for his team in six of eight games (5-2-1) but was only able to salvage a .894 SV% in the process. That said, Markstrom has played well against the team that drafted him, posting a 3.10 GAA and .910 SV% in nine career games against the Panthers (4-4-1).

Jacob Markstrom
Filip Gustavsson will start Monday vs. Pittsburgh.

Gustavsson will start for the fourth straight game on Monday and look for his fourth straight victory in the process. The Swedish goaltender's turnaround this season has been remarkable. Gustavsson has followed up a 10-game stretch (1-6-2) where he posted a .864 SV%, with an astounding .954 SV% in his seven games since (6-1-0). Minnesota is a slight +101 road underdog on Monday against the Pittsburgh Penguins, who will be playing desperately after being embarrassed by the Toronto Maple Leafs in their last contest, a 7-0 blowout loss.

Filip Gustavsson

NHL Player News: Your Ultimate Source for Hockey Player News

At Daily Faceoff you can stay in the know regarding all 32 teams and their top players this season. From trades, to injuries, and everything in between, you can find all the latest NHL player news today here. Staying up to date with player news NHL can also give you a competitive edge in your fantasy hockey leagues, as well as your NHL bets.

Check out all the latest NHL updates below and learn more about the hottest updates in the hockey world today.

Who are the top NHL players to watch this season?

There’s never been more talent scattered across the NHL than there is this season. With living legends like Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin still setting records left-and-right, alongside today’s current superstars such as Connor McDavid and Nathan Mackinnon, the level of talent in the NHL is at an all-time high. Along with these established stars, there’s plenty of budding stars emerging every season such as Connor Bedard, Macklin Celebrini, and Matvei Michkov.

What are the latest updates on NHL player suspensions or disciplinary actions?

Already this season we’ve seen the hammer brought down by the NHL Department of Player Safety. Notable suspensions and fines include Ryan Reaves of the Toronto Maple Leafs who was given a five-game suspension for an illegal check to the head against the Edmonton Oilers, and Los Angeles Kings forward Tanner Jeannot who was dealt a three-game suspension, also for an illegal hit to the head.

In the 2023-24 season, there were a total of 14 suspensions and 17 fines issued throughout the NHL. The longest suspension served was dealt to former-Detroit Red Wing David Perron at six-games after a cross-checking penalty dealt ironically against his current team in the 2024-25 season, the Ottawa Senators. Additionally, Perron was fined $148,437.48 for his actions.

How are NHL player performances impacting fantasy hockey?

NHL player performances make a direct impact on the outcome of any fantasy hockey matchup. Staying up to date with the latest news and performances of your team’s players can be the difference between winning and losing.

Some notable fantasy hockey performers that flew under the radar in most drafts this year include Martin Necas (123 ADP) of the Carolina Hurricanes and Kiefer Sherwood of the Vancouver Canucks. While sleeper picks are always a great get, nothing is worse than a bust taken early on. Some of the most disappointing players of the fantasy hockey season includes Zach Hyman (28 ADP) of the Edmonton Oilers and Jason Robertson of the Dallas Stars (33 ADP).

Whether you’re checking out how your current rostered players are performing or scouting for hidden gems on the waiver wire, the latest player news can help you make your next winning move this season.

Which NHL players are having breakout or comeback seasons?

Every season there are several players who have breakout years, establishing themselves as some of the best up-and-coming stars in the league. In the 2024-25 season early breakout candidates have emerged such as Dylan Strome of the Washington Capitals (on-pace for his first 100-point season) and Ivan Barbashev of the Vegas Golden Knights (on-pace for career-high in points).

Additionally, nothing beats a comeback story, and that can be said about surging veterans such as Anze Koipitar of the Los Angeles Kings, and Matt Duchene of the Dallas Stars.

How often is NHL player news updated?

Our player news is updated regularly throughout the season, bringing you fresh player updates every day throughout the calendar year. Providing our users with a one-stop destination for everything you need to know from across the NHL, our player news is the go-to spot for all the biggest stories in the hockey universe.

What types of information does NHL player news cover?

Our NHL news covers every aspect of the hockey season. From injuries to trades to rumours and even suspensions, we’ve got you covered through it all with credible and fast-updates all-season long.

Are there specific sources for reliable NHL player updates?

All of our sources come from credible and reputable areas. When you’re at Daily Faceoff, you can trust that we are never going to spoon-feed you fake news. You can trust you’re only reading legitimate news that matters.

How does NHL player news impact betting lines?

Player news has a massive impact on the latest hockey betting lines. From daily game lines and prop bets, to Stanley Cup futures bets, every trade, roster change, and injury can shake up the odds set by oddsmakers.

By staying informed on the latest NHL updates, you can become a better NHL bettor as you’ll have a winning edge thanks to our in-depth news coverage.

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