Lafreniere has cleared COVID-19 protocol and is expected to play Wednesday.
NHL Hockey Player News
Goalie Start
Kuemper will start Thursday in Los Angeles.
The Sharks have added Rudolfs Balcers to the COVID-19 protocol list.
Balcers had two goals in three games since returning to the lineup but will not be in the lineup for at least two games after being added to the COVID-19 protocol list on Wednesday. Alexander Barabanov was activated from the same list and took his spot on the top line in practice.
Barabanov was removed from the COVID-19 protocol list and was back at practice on Wednesday.
Barabanov appears set to return from a three-game absence on Thursday. Barabanov was back on the top line in practice, replacing Rudolfs Balcers, who was added to the COVID-19 protocol list.
Waiver Move
The Red Wings have claimed Gemel Smith off of waivers from the Lightning.
Smith has not played this season due to a lower-body injury suffered in training camp. With him nearing a return to the lineup, he was waived in order to send him to the AHL. Detroit claimed him and now he joins his brother, Givani, with the Red Wings. Smith has 24 points (12G / 12A) in 88 career NHL games with the Stars and Lightning.
Dzingel has been placed on the COVID-19 protocol list and will not play Wednesday.
Dzingel will come out of the lineup on Wednesday, so look for Alex Galchenyuk to replace him on the fourth line.
Stralman (COVID-19 protocol) is expected to be back in the Coyotes lineup on Wednesday.
Stralman missed four games while in COVID-19 protocol but is expected to play Wednesday in New Jersey. Stralman will likely be back on a pairing with Jakob Chychrun, who is a game-time decision. The veteran defenseman has two goals and four assists (six points) in 29 games this season.
Capobianco will be a game-time decision on Wednesday.
Capobianco has not played since January 4th but will be a game-time decision in New Jersey. Head coach Andre Tourigny said that one of Capobianco or Jakob Chychrun will be back in the lineup on Wednesday but that both are game-time decisions.
Chychrun (COVID-19 protocol) will be a game-time decision on Wednesday.
Chychrun has not played since December 10th, as he's been sidelined by an upper-body injury and COVID-19 protocol. Head coach Andre Tourigny said that one of Chychrun or Kyle Capobianco will be back in the lineup on Wednesday but that both are game-time decisions.
Goalie Start
Vejmelka will start Wednesday in New Jersey.
Goalie Start
Ullmark will start Thursday vs. the Capitals.
Buchnevich was activated from COVID-19 protocol and was back at practice on Wednesday.
Buchnevich missed two games while in COVID-19 protocol but was back on a line with Ivan Barbashev and Vladimir Tarasenko at Wednesday's practice. It looks like he'll be back in the lineup on Friday.
Goalie Start
Vejmelka was the first goalie off of the ice at the Coyotes morning skate.
Eriksson Ek was activated from COVID-19 protocol and was on the ice for Wednesday's practice.
Eriksson Ek has missed the last five games due to an upper-body injury and COVID-19 protocol but will likely be back in the lineup on Friday.
Goalie Start
Campbell will start Wednesday in New York.
Goalie Start
Campbell is in the starter's crease at the Maple Leafs morning skate.
Goalie Start
Francouz will start Wednesday in Anaheim.
Ehlers (lower-body) will not be available for Thursday's game in Nashville.
Ehlers suffered a lower-body injury in Tuesday's game after a knee-on-knee hit from Dmitry Orlov. Head coach Dave Lowry already ruled Ehlers out for Thursday's game and said he could be out longer. Luckily for the Jets, they are expecting to get Paul Stastny back to replace Ehlers.
Rutta (undisclosed) will not play Tuesday in Los Angeles.
Palat (undisclosed) will not play Tuesday in Los Angeles.
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.