NHL Hockey Player News

Dallas has signed Ayrton Martino to a two-year, entry-level contract.

Martino was a third-round pick, 73rd overall, of the Dallas Stars in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. The 22-year-old forward has yet to play a professional game but had an impressive final season at the collegiate level, scoring 51 points (25G / 26A) in 39 games with Clarkson University (ECAC).

Ayrton Martino
Carrick (personal) missed practice on Monday.

Carrick did not practice on Monday due to personal reasons. The 33-year-old forward is averaging 11:49 time-on-ice and has 18 points (6G / 12A) in 71 games this season. It's unclear if he will be ready to suit up when the Rangers return to action on Tuesday against the Los Angeles Kings.

Sam Carrick
Draisaitl (undisclosed) will remain out for at least three more games.

Draisaitl did not play in Edmonton's previous game, and he will miss at least three more, including games against the Dallas Stars, Seattle Kraken, and Calgary Flames. His absence from the lineup is a crushing blow for an Oilers' offense that is already without Connor McDavid (undisclosed). The 29-year-old Draisaitl has 101 points and leads the league with 49 goals through 68 games this season.

Leon Draisaitl
McDavid (undisclosed) is expected to remain out for at least three more games.

McDavid did not play Edmonton's previous game and will miss at least the next three, including contests against the Dallas Stars, Seattle Kraken, and Calgary Flames. Few updates have been provided surrounding McDavid's injury but it's a devasting blow for an Edmonton offense that is already without Leon Draisaitl (undisclosed). The 28-year-old McDavid is averaging 22:08 time-on-ice and has 90 points (26G / 64A) in 63 games this season.

Connor McDavid
Klingberg (undisclosed) skated at Edmonton's practice on Monday.

Klingberg has not played since March 4th but was back at practice on Monday. The 32-year-old defenseman is averaging 17:21 time-on-ice and has four points (1G / 3A) in 10 games with the Oilers this season. The Oilers return to action on Wednesday against the Dallas Stars.

John Klingberg
Vilardi is out week-to-week with an upper-body injury.

Vilardi did not practice on Monday and will be sidelined week-to-week due to an upper-body injury. The 25-year-old Vilardi was having a tremendous season for the Jets, scoring 61 points (27G / 34A) in 71 games, and will be sorely missed during his absence. At practice on Monday, Alex Iafallo was promoted to a role on the Jets' top powerplay unit.

Gabriel Vilardi
Johnson (undisclosed) missed practice on Monday and is considered day-to-day.

Johnson played the previous five games for Colorado but his status for Tuesday's game against the Detroit Red Wings is up in the air. The 37-year-old defenseman is averaging 15:32 time-on-ice, recording zero points, three blocks, and eight hits in six games with Colorado this season.

Erik Johnson
Girard (undisclosed) missed practice on Monday and is considered day-to-day.

Girard did not play the previous two games for Colorado and his status is up in the air for their next game on Tuesday against the Detroit Red Wings. The 26-year-old Girard is averaging 20:55 time-on-ice and has 22 points (3G / 19A) in 66 games this season.

Samuel Girard
Mrazek will start in Utah on Monday.

The Red Wings have been outscored 10-4 during a two-game losing skid (0-2-0) and will turn to Mrazek between the pipes on Monday against the Utah Hockey Club. Mrazek has been serviceable since joining the Red Wings at the trade deadline but struggled in his most recent outing, allowing four goals on 26 shots (.846 SV%) in a 4-1 loss to the Washington Capitals. He has a 2.51 GAA and .901 SV% in four games with the team (2-2-0). Detroit enters Monday's contest as +147 road underdogs against a Utah team outscoring their opposition 11-6 during a two-game winning streak.

Petr Mrazek
Vejmelka will start vs. Detroit on Monday.

Utah HC is riding a two-game winning streak and will roll with Vejmelka between the pipes on Monday against the Detroit Red Wings. The 28-year-old Vejmelka struggled in his most recent outing, allowing four goals on 26 shots (.846 SV%), but received ample goal support in a 6-4 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning. He has a 2.53 GAA and .907 SV% in 47 games this season (21-18-6). Utah HC enters Monday's contest as -160 home favorites against a struggling Red Wings team outscored 10-4 during a two-game losing skid (0-2-0).

Karel Vejmelka
Weegar (lower-body) missed practice on Monday.

Weegar did not play on Saturday due to a lower-body injury and was absent from practice on Monday. It's unclear if Weegar will be ready to return to the lineup when the Flames return to action on Tuesday against the Seattle Kraken. The 31-year-old Weegar is averaging 23:53 time-on-ice and has 41 points (7G / 34A) in 68 games this season.

MacKenzie Weegar
Vejmelka was the first goalie off the ice at Utah's morning skate.

Utah HC is riding a two-game winning streak and will likely roll with Vejmelka between the pipes on Monday against the Detroit Red Wings. The 28-year-old Vejmelka struggled in his most recent outing, allowing four goals on 26 shots (.846 SV%), but received ample goal support in a 6-4 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning. He has a 2.53 GAA and .907 SV% in 47 games this season (21-18-6). Utah HC enters Monday's contest as -160 home favorites against a struggling Red Wings team outscored 10-4 during a two-game losing skid (0-2-0).

Karel Vejmelka

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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