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NHL Hockey Player News

Gage Goncalves(Center)(C)|Tampa Bay Lightning TBL

Injury

Goncalves (undisclosed) will be a game-time decision vs. Utah on Monday.

Goncalves was limited to only 4:23 time-on-ice in Tampa Bay's most recent game, exiting the contest because of an undisclosed injury. The 25-year-old forward has 16 points (6G / 10A), 39 shots, and 42 hits in 46 games this season.

Source:

Eduardo Encina 2026-01-26T16:25:45.625Z

Jake Christiansen(Defenseman)(D)|Columbus Blue Jackets CBJ

Injury

Christiansen is expected to be a healthy scratch vs. Los Angeles on Monday.

With Dento Mateychuk (upper body) returning from a two-week absence, Christiansen will exit the lineup as a healthy scratch. The 26-year-old Christiansen is averaging 10:17 time-on-ice and has two assists in 31 games this season.

Source:

Mark Scheig 2026-01-26T16:23:50.012Z

Denton Mateychuk(Defenseman)(D)|Columbus Blue Jackets CBJ

Injury

Mateychuk (upper-body) is expected to return vs. Los Angeles on Monday.

Mateychuk has been sidelined for over two weeks because of an upper-body injury, but he will return to the lineup on Monday against the Los Angeles Kings. The 21-year-old defenseman is having an excellent season, playing predominantly alongside Zach Werenski, averaging 20:20 time-on-ice and scoring 21 points (8G / 13A) through 44 games.

Source:

Mark Scheig 2026-01-26T16:22:59.165Z

Elvis Merzlikins(Goalie)(G)|Columbus Blue Jackets CBJ

Goalie Start

Merzlikins is in the starter's crease at Columbus' morning skate.

Jet Greaves started two consecutive games for Columbus, but the team will revert to Merzlikins on Monday against the Los Angeles Kings. The 31-year-old Merzlikins has played better since Rick Bowness took over as the Blue Jackets' new Head Coach, saving 64 of 70 shots (.914 SV%) in three games (2-1-0), but consistency has been a major issue for the Latvian goalie. The Blue Jackets enter Monday's contest with even -105 odds at home against a Kings team with points in five straight games (2-0-3).

Source:

Mark Scheig 2026-01-26T16:21:51.719Z

Isaak Phillips(Defenseman)(D)|Winnipeg Jets WPG

Call Up

Phillips has been recalled from Manitoba (AHL).

Phillips played two games with the Jets earlier this season, but has spent most of the 2025-26 campaign in the AHL. The 24-year-old defenseman has 15 points (3G / 12A) in 35 games with Manitoba (AHL) this season.

Source:

Winnipeg Jets PR 2026-01-26T16:17:38.391Z

Curtis Douglas(Center)(C)|Vancouver Canucks VAN

Call Up

Douglas has been recalled from Syracuse (AHL).

Douglas was a fourth-round pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft that made his NHL debut with Tampa Bay earlier this season. The 25-year-old forward has two assists and 75 penalty minutes in 27 games.

Source:

Tampa Bay Lightning 2026-01-26T16:16:36.678Z

Maxim Groshev(Defenseman)(D)|Tampa Bay Lightning TBL

Call Up

The Lightning have recalled Max Groshev from Syracuse (AHL).

With Charle-Edouard D'Astous (lower body) on Injured Reserve, Tampa Bay has recalled Groshev from the Syracuse Crunch (AHL). The 24-year-old Groshev played one game with Tampa Bay earlier this season, his NHL debut, and recorded one assist in 13:03 time-on-ice ice.

Source:

Diandra Loux 2026-01-26T16:14:11.482Z

Charle-Edouard D'Astous(Defenseman)(D)|Tampa Bay Lightning TBL

Injury

The Lightning placed Charle-Edouard D'Astous (lower-body) on IR.

D'Astous has been a surprising contributor on Tampa Bay's blueline this season, but he will miss at least a week after being placed on Injured Reserve due to a lower-body injury. The 27-year-old first-year NHLer is averaging 19:23 time-on-ice and has 17 points (3G / 14A) in 43 games.

Source:

Diandra Loux 2026-01-26T16:13:04.232Z

Pierre-Olivier Joseph(Defenseman)(D)|Vancouver Canucks VAN

Line Change

Joseph will enter the Canucks lineup on Sunday.

Source:

Brendan Batchelor 2026-01-25T23:50:17.877Z

Tom Willander()(RD)|Vancouver Canucks VAN

Injury

Willander was a late scratch on Sunday due to illness.

Source:

Brendan Batchelor 2026-01-25T23:49:53.012Z

Luke Kunin(Center)(C)|Florida Panthers FLA

Line Change

Kunin will be a healthy scratch on Sunday.

Source:

Rob Darragh 2026-01-25T23:47:29.911Z

Cole Schwindt(Center)(C)|Florida Panthers FLA

Line Change

Schwindt will enter the Panthers lineup on Sunday.

Source:

Rob Darragh 2026-01-25T23:47:17.395Z

Max Sasson(Center)(C)|Vancouver Canucks VAN

Line Change

Sasson will draw back into the Canucks lineup on Sunday.

Source:

Brendan Batchelor 2026-01-25T21:57:07.539Z

David Kampf(Center)(C)|Washington Capitals WSH

Line Change

Kampf will be a healthy scratch on Sunday.

Source:

Brendan Batchelor 2026-01-25T21:56:56.675Z

Alexander Holtz(Right Wing)(RW)|Vegas Golden Knights VGK

Line Change

Holtz will be a healthy scratch on Sunday.

Source:

@RyanHockeyGuy 2026-01-25T21:56:29.034Z

Cole Reinhardt(Left Wing)(LW)|Florida Panthers FLA

Line Change

Reinhardt re-enters the Golden Knights' lineup on Sunday.

Source:

@RyanHockeyGuy 2026-01-25T21:56:08.070Z

Scott Wedgewood(Goalie)(G)|Colorado Avalanche COL

Injury

Wedgewood (personal) has been added to the Avalanche's active roster.

Source:

@Avalanche 2026-01-25T21:54:59.577Z

Jack Ahcan(Defenseman)(D)|Colorado Avalanche COL

Send Down

The Avalanche have reassigned Jack Ahcan to Colorado (AHL).

Source:

@Avalanche 2026-01-25T21:54:04.657Z

Isak Posch(Goalie)(G)|Colorado Avalanche COL

Send Down

The Avalanche have reassigned Isak Posch to Colorado (AHL).

Source:

@Avalanche 2026-01-25T21:53:35.153Z

David Spacek(Defenseman)(D)|Minnesota Wild MIN

Send Down

The Wild have reassigned David Spacek to Iowa (AHL).

Source:

@mnwildPR 2026-01-25T21:53:21.229Z

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.

DFO’s Specialized News Categories

Get the most out of your hockey news with our in-depth coverage of the NHL with our comprehensive player news updates. Below we’ve compiled go-to destinations for player injuries, trades, signings, line combinations, and more!

NHL Player Injury Updates and Recovery Timelines – See all the latest NHL player injury updates, timelines for their return, and impact made on each team.
NHL Waiver Wire Moves and Implications – Check out all the latest moves made on the NHL waiver wire and their implications on the teams involved.
NHL Latest Line Combination Changes – Bringing you every line combination from across all 32 NHL teams, check out the latest NHL line combination changes made ahead of their next tilt.
NHL Player Signings and Contract Details – Your go-to spot during NHL free agency, check out the latest NHL player signings and contract details today.
NHL Roster Changes and Transactions – Looking to see what the latest moves made by your favourite team were? Then check out the latest NHL roster changes and transactions here on DFO.