NHL Hockey Player News

Denis Gurianov(Right Wing)(RW)|Free Agent FA

Line Change

Gurianov will be a healthy scratch on Thursday.

Gurianov will be replaced by Marian Studenic at 5v5 and Jacob Peterson will take his spot on PP2. Rick Bowness cited Gurianov's "lack of offense as an offensive player the last few games," as the reason for the scratch.

Source:

Matthew DeFranks 2022-03-31T18:55:16.869Z

Jake Oettinger(Goalie)(G)|Dallas Stars DAL

Goalie Start

Oettinger will start Thursday in Anaheim.

Source:

Matthew DeFranks 2022-03-31T18:48:12.486Z

Semyon Varlamov(Goalie)(G)|New York Islanders NYI

Goalie Start

Varlamov was the first goalie off of the ice at the Islanders morning skate.

Source:

Stefen Rosner 2022-03-31T17:56:05.313Z

Andy Greene(Right Defenseman)(LD)|Free Agent FA

Injury

Greene (undisclosed) will be a game-time decision on Thursday.

It's unclear exactly what is ailing Greene but head coach Barry Trotz has listed him as a game-time decision for Thursday's game vs. the Blue Jackets. Robin Salo was recalled from the AHL and could replace Greene if he's unavailable.

Source:

Brian Compton 2022-03-31T17:53:58.702Z

Adam Pelech(Defenseman)(D)|New York Islanders NYI

Injury

Pelech (undisclosed) will be a game-time decision on Thursday.

It's unclear exactly what is ailing Pelech but head coach Barry Trotz has listed him as a game-time decision for Thursday's game vs. the Blue Jackets. Robin Salo was recalled from the AHL and could replace Pelech if he's unavailable.

Source:

Brian Compton 2022-03-31T17:53:40.318Z

Anton Blidh(Left Wing)(LW)|Free Agent FA

Line Change

Blidh will draw into the Bruins lineup on Thursday.

Blidh has been held out of the lineup for the last five games but he will replace Nick Foligno (lower-body) on Thursday. Blidh has nine points (2G / 7A) in 29 games this season.

Source:

@NHLBruins 2022-03-31T17:48:46.660Z

Nick Foligno(Left Wing)(LW)|Chicago Blackhawks CHI

Injury

Foligno (lower-body) will not play Thursday vs. the Devils.

Foligno suffered a lower-body injury vs. the Maple Leafs and will not be available on Thursday. Anton Blidh will replace Foligno, who is day-to-day.

Source:

@NHLBruins 2022-03-31T17:47:45.566Z

Craig Smith(Center)(C)|Free Agent FA

Injury

Smith (illness) will not play Thursday vs. the Devils.

Smith is under the weather and will come out of the lineup on Thursday. Marc McLaughlin will make his NHL debut to replace Smith on the third line with Charlie Coyle and Trent Frederic.

Source:

@NHLBruins 2022-03-31T17:46:42.547Z

Marc McLaughlin(Center)(C)|New Jersey Devils NJD

Line Change

McLaughlin will make his NHL debut on Thursday.

McLaughlin was an undrafted free agent out of Boston College, who signed with his hometown Bruins a few weeks ago. The 22-year-old will replace Craig Smith, who is out with an illness.

Source:

@NHLBruins 2022-03-31T17:45:41.500Z

Connor Clifton(Defenseman)(D)|Pittsburgh Penguins PIT

Line Change

Clifton will be a healthy scratch on Thursday.

The Bruins have eight NHL defensemen so they are expected to rotate them with some regularity. Clifton will be replaced by Josh Brown, who will be making his Bruins debut.

Source:

@NHLBruins 2022-03-31T17:44:02.529Z

Josh Brown(Defenseman)(D)|Edmonton Oilers EDM

Line Change

Brown will make his Bruins debut on Thursday.

Brown was acquired from the Senators at the trade deadline and is set to make his Bruins debut on Thursday. Brown, who had six assists, 106 hits and 57 blocked shots in 46 games with Ottawa, will replace Connor Clifton in the lineup.

Source:

@NHLBruins 2022-03-31T17:42:39.888Z

Derek Forbort(Defenseman)(D)|Vancouver Canucks VAN

Line Change

Forbort will be a healthy scratch on Thursday.

The Bruins have eight NHL defensemen, so healthy scratches for Forbort could become a regular occurrence. On Thursday, he will be replaced by Mike Reilly.

Source:

@NHLBruins 2022-03-31T17:41:02.253Z

Mike Reilly(Defenseman)(D)|Carolina Hurricanes CAR

Line Change

Reilly will draw into the Bruins lineup on Thursday.

Reilly has been a healthy scratch for the last three games but will replace Derek Forbort in the lineup on Thursday. Reilly has picked up four goals with 10 assists (14 points) in 57 games this season.

Source:

@NHLBruins 2022-03-31T17:39:42.569Z

Casey DeSmith(Goalie)(G)|Dallas Stars DAL

Goalie Start

DeSmith will start Thursday in Minnesota.

Source:

Josh Yohe 2022-03-31T17:17:17.744Z

Pavel Francouz(Goalie)(G)|Colorado Avalanche COL

Goalie Start

Francouz will start Thursday vs. the Sharks.

Source:

Peter Baugh 2022-03-31T17:04:55.577Z

Jacob Markstrom(Goalie)(G)|New Jersey Devils NJD

Goalie Start

Markstrom will start Thursday vs. the Kings.

Source:

Pat Steinberg 2022-03-31T16:53:29.382Z

Casey DeSmith(Goalie)(G)|Dallas Stars DAL

Goalie Start

DeSmith was the first goalie off of the ice at the Penguins morning skate.

Source:

Josh Getzoff 2022-03-31T16:52:39.827Z

Tyler Pitlick(Center)(C)|Minnesota Wild MIN

Injury

Pitlick (upper-body) will return to the Canadiens lineup on Thursday.

Pitlick missed the last two games with an upper-body injury that he suffered vs. the Maple Leafs last Saturday. Pitlick will replace Mathieu Perreault in the lineup vs. the Hurricanes. Pitlick has picked up just two assists in 27 games this season.

Source:

Priyanta Emrith 2022-03-31T16:44:01.621Z

Erik Kallgren(Goalie)(G)|New Jersey Devils NJD

Goalie Start

Kallgren will start Thursday vs. the Jets.

Source:

David Alter 2022-03-31T16:31:32.285Z

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

Goalie Start

Merzllikins will start Thursday against the Islanders.

Source:

Bailey Johnson 2022-03-31T16:16:51.608Z

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.