NHL Hockey Player News

The Oilers recalled Dineen from Bakersfield (AHL) on an emergency basis on Wednesday.

Dineen was recalled earlier this week by the Oilers but did not crack the lineup. The 26-year-old defenseman has played 34 career NHL games, all in the 2021-22 season with the Arizona Coyotes. He has 29 points (5G / 24A) in 45 games with the Bakersfield Condors this season.

Cam Dineen
The Sharks acquired Desharnais from the Penguins on Wednesday in exchange for a 2028 fifth-round draft pick.

Desharnais leaves the Penguins after playing just ten games for the franchise. He was acquired from the Canucks just last month in the trade that sent Marcus Pettersson to Vancouver. The 28-year-old Desharnais has zero goals and three assists in 44 games this season.

Vincent Desharnais
Shesterkin will start against the Capitals on Wednesday.

The Rangers have outscored their opposition 8-0 in their last two games (2-0-0) and have won four of their previous five (4-1-0). They will roll with Shesterkin between the pipes against the Washington Capitals. Shesterkin was excellent in his most recent outing, saving all 21 shots he faced for his fourth shutout of the season in a 4-0 win over the New York Islanders. The 29-year-old netminder has a 2.86 GAA and .906 SV% in 44 games this season (21-21-2). The Rangers enter Wednesday's contest as +105 home underdogs against a Capitals squad that snapped a three-game losing skid on Monday, narrowly defeating the Ottawa Senators 5-4 in a shootout.

Igor Shesterkin
Woll will start in Vegas on Wednesday.

The Maple Leafs are coming off a disappointing 3-2 shootout loss to the San Jose Sharks but still have points in six straight (5-0-1) and will turn to Woll between the pipes on Wednesday against the Vegas Golden Knights. Woll allowed five goals on 34 shots (.853 SV%) in his most recent outing but received enough goal support to secure a 6-5 overtime victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins. The 26-year-old goalie has a 2.70 GAA and .907 SV% in 32 games this season (21-11-0). The Maple Leafs enter Wednesday's contest as +146 road underdogs against a Golden Knights squad on a two-game winning streak.

Joseph Woll
Thomas will be a healthy scratch on Wednesday vs. St. Louis.

Samuel Helenius was recalled and will return to Los Angeles lineup on Wednesday, meaning Akil Thomas will head to the press box as a healthy scratch vs. St. Louis. The 25-year-old Thomas has failed to produce offensively this season, with just a goal and three points in 23 games played.

Akil Thomas
Helenius will draw back into Los Angles' lineup on Wednesday vs. St. Louis.

Helenius was recalled from Ontario (AHL) earlier Wednesday and will join the Kings' lineup as he replaces Akil Thomas vs. St. Louis. The 22-year-old rookie centre will be looking to build off the goal, and two assists he amassed in 27 games played this season.

Samuel Helenius
Clarke will draw back into Los Angeles' lineup on Wednesday vs. St. Louis.

Clarke has been a healthy scratch for Los Angeles' previous two games but will draw back in the lineup for Kyle Burroughs on Wednesday vs. St. Louis. The 22-year-old has been snake-bitten as of late, as he has gone six games without a point but still has four goals and 25 points in 55 games played this year.

Brandt Clarke
Bjorkstrand is expected to make his Tampa Bay debut on Thursday vs. Buffalo. .

After being acquired in a trade on Wednesday, Oliver Bjorstrand is expected to make his Lightning' debut on Thursday vs. Buffalo. When the 29-year-old takes the ice on Thursday, he will wear his third different NHL jersey in his 10th NHL season. He had 16 goals, 37 points and 124 SOG in 61 games with Seattle before being moved to Tampa Bay.

Oliver Bjorkstrand
Gourde is expected to be in Tampa Bay's lineup on Thursday vs. Buffalo.

Gourde was acquired by Tampa Bay in a massive deal with Seattle and Detroit and is expected to make his return to the Lightning lineup on Thursday vs. Buffalo. The 33-year-old two-way forward spent the first six seasons of his NHL career in Tampa Bay before being acquired by Seattle during their expansion draft.

Yanni Gourde
Meyers has been recalled from Coachella Valley (AHL).

With Seattle trading away Yanni Gourde and Oliver Bjorkstrand on Wednesday, Ben Meyers has been recalled from Coachella Valley (AHL) in a corresponding move. The 26-year-old undrafted free agent has appeared in seven games for the Kraken in 2024-25, but has failed to pick up a point despite only having three SOG and averaging 8:10 TOI.

Ben Meyers
Melanson has been recalled from Coachella Valley (AHL).

With Seattle shipping Yanni Gourde and Oliver Bjorkstrand out of town on Wednesday, Jacob Melanson has been recalled from Coachella Valley (AHL). The 21-year-old right-winger was Seattle's 2021 fifth-round pick (131st overall) and has yet to make his NHL debut. In 27 games with Coachella in 2024-25, he had seven goals and 10 points.

Jacob Melanson
Hughes underwent shoulder surgery on Wednesday and will be placed on LTIR.

The Devils received terrible news on Wednesday, announcing that Hughes will miss the remainder of the 2024-25 season after undergoing shoulder surgery. The 23-year-old Hughes suffered the injury on Sunday after an awkward collision with Jack Hughes that sent him into the boards. Hughes ends the season with 70 points (27G / 43A) in 62 games and is expected to make a full recovery before training camp for next season.

Jack Hughes
Lindgren will start in New York on Wednesday.

The Capitals snapped a three-game losing skid in Monday's 5-4 win over the Ottawa Senators and will switch to Lindgren between the pipes on Wednesday against the New York Rangers. Lindgren struggled in his most recent outing, allowing four goals on 18 shots (.778 SV%) in a 5-2 loss to the St. Louis Blues. The 31-year-old Lindgren has a 2.70 GAA and .896 SV% in 27 appearances this season (13-10-3). The Capitals enter Wednesday's contest as -112 road favorites against a Rangers club coming off consecutive 4-0 wins.

Charlie Lindgren
Gourde is expected to make his debut in Tampa Bay's lineup on Thursday vs. Buffalo.

Tampa Bay acquired Gourde on Wednesday along with Oliver Bjorkstrand in a trade that sent Michael Eyssimonth, a 2026 1st round pick, a 2027 1st round pick, and a 2025 2nd round pick to the Seattle Kraken. Gourde has struggled with consistency while battling injuries this season but could see a boost in production returning to his former club. The 33-year-old Gourde scored 17 points (6G / 11A) in 36 games with Seattle this season.

Yanni Gourde
Buffalo has signed Jordan Greenway to a two-year, $8 million contract extension ($4 mill AAV).

Greenway has avoided become a UFA at the end of the season by signing a two-year, $8 million contract extension with the Sabres. The 28-year-old Greenway is averaging 15:57 time-on-ice, recording eight points (3G / 5A) and 80 hits in 26 games this season.

Jordan Greenway
Tanev (upper-body) has a chance to return on Saturday in Colorado.

Tanev has missed the last three games, will miss a fourth on Wednesday, but could return to the lineup on Saturday against the Colorado Avalanche. The 35-year-old Tanev is averaging 19:48 time-on-ice, recording 17 points (2G / 15A) and 151 blocks in 57 games this season.

Chris Tanev
Binnington will start in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

The Blues had a four-game winning streak before losing 6-3 to the Dallas Stars on Sunday. They will attempt to return to the win column on Wednesday with Binnington between the pipes against the Los Angeles Kings. The 31-year-old Binnington saved 25 of 26 shots (.962 SV%) in his most recent start, a 4-1 win over the Kings. He has a 2.81 GAA and .899 SV% in 43 appearances this season (18-20-4). The Blues enter the action on Wednesday as +133 road underdogs against a Kings squad amid a four-game losing streak (0-3-1).

Jordan Binnington
Ekholm (illness) missed practice and is questionable to play on Thursday vs. Montreal.

Ekholm played only 17:59 time-on-ice in Tuesday's 6-2 loss to the Anaheim Ducks, a significant decrease from the 22:36 he is averaging this season, and could miss Thursday's game against the Montreal Canadiens due to an illness. The 34-year-old Ekholm has 27 points (8G / 19A) in 60 games this season.

Mattias Ekholm
Lorentz (undisclosed) will rejoin Toronto's lineup on Wednesday in Vegas.

Lorentz has not played the previous two games for the Maple Leafs due to an undisclosed ailment, but he will return to the lineup on Wednesday against the Vegas Golden Knights. The 28-year-old Lorentz is averaging 10:26 time-on-ice and has 14 points (5G / 9A) in 59 games this season.

Steven Lorentz

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

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