Daily Faceoff is a news site with no direct affiliation to the NHL, or NHLPA

NHL Hockey Player News

Alexander Barabanov(Right Wing)(RW)|Free Agent FA

Injury

Barabanov (undisclosed) is expected to draw back into the Sharks lineup on Saturday.

Barabanov missed the last four games with an undisclosed injury but is expected to play Saturday vs. the Blackhawks. Barabanov was back on the top line in Friday's practice and will come in with 37 points (10G / 27A) in 65 games this season.

Source:

Sheng Peng 2022-04-23T14:10:03.054Z

Anthony Beauvillier(Left Wing)(LW)|Washington Capitals WSH

Injury

Beauvillier (upper-body) is questionable to play Saturday in Buffalo.

Beauvillier was scratched Thursday vs. the Rangers and head coach Barry Trotz said he's unsure of his status for Saturday. Since it's an afternoon game, there's no morning skate, so consider him a game-time decision.

Source:

Ethan Sears 2022-04-23T14:08:20.544Z

Dustin Tokarski(Goalie)(G)|Free Agent FA

Goalie Start

Tokarski will start Saturday vs. the Islanders.

Source:

Paul Hamilton 2022-04-23T14:06:00.340Z

Andrew Copp(Center)(C)|Detroit Red Wings DET

Injury

Copp (lower-body) is not expected to play Saturday in Boston.

Copp scored a hat-trick in the first period but then left with a lower-body injury against the Islanders on Thursday and is not expected to play Saturday in Boston. With both Copp and Filip Chytil (undisclosed) not likely to be available, look for two of Jonny Brodzinski, Greg McKegg and/or Julien Gauthier to draw into the lineup.

Source:

Colin Stephenson 2022-04-23T12:54:22.175Z

Filip Chytil(Center)(C)|Vancouver Canucks VAN

Injury

Chytil (upper-body) is not expected to play Saturday in Boston.

Chytil suffered an upper-body injury against the Islanders on Thursday and is not expected to play Saturday in Boston. With both Chytil and Andrew Copp (lower-body) not likely to be available, look for two of Jonny Brodzinski, Greg McKegg and/or Julien Gauthier to draw into the lineup.

Source:

Colin Stephenson 2022-04-23T12:57:57.184Z

Filip Zadina(Left Wing)(LW)|Free Agent FA

Injury

Zadina (illness) is questionable to play Saturday vs. the Penguins.

Zadina missed Thursday's game in Florida and is questionable to play Saturday afternoon vs. the Red Wings. Chase Pearson, who replaced him on Thursday, was sent to the AHL on Friday, which suggests that Zadina will play Saturday.

Source:

Helene St. James 2022-04-23T12:11:00.673Z

Jason Zucker(Left Wing)(LW)|Buffalo Sabres BUF

Injury

Zucker (illness) travelled to Detroit but is questionable to play Saturday.

Zucker missed Friday's practice with a non-COVID illness and is questionable to play in Saturday's game in Detroit. Evan Rodrigues is expected to move up into the top-6 if Zucker can't go.

Source:

Seth Rorabaugh 2022-04-23T11:51:50.705Z

Evgeni Malkin(Center)(C)|Pittsburgh Penguins PIT

Line Change

Malkin has served his four-game suspension and will play Saturday in Detroit.

Malkin was suspended for cross-checking Mark Borowiecki on April 10th and missed the last four games, where the Penguins went 2-1-1. He was back on the second line in Friday's practice and will play Saturday against the Red Wings. Since making his season debut on January 11th, Malkin has been a point-per-game player, scoring 17 goals with 20 assists (37 points) in 37 games.

Source:

@PensInsideScoop 2022-04-23T11:51:58.084Z

Brian Elliott(Goalie)(G)|Free Agent FA

Goalie Start

Elliott is expected to start Saturday vs. the Predators.

Source:

Joe Smith 2022-04-23T11:22:18.790Z

Mike Smith(Goalie)(G)|Free Agent FA

Goalie Start

Smith will start Friday vs. the Avalanche.

Source:

NHL.com 2022-04-23T00:53:07.538Z

Darcy Kuemper(Goalie)(G)|Los Angeles Kings LAK

Goalie Start

Kuemper starts Friday in Edmonton.

Source:

NHL.com 2022-04-23T00:51:58.699Z

Philipp Grubauer(Goalie)(G)|Seattle Kraken SEA

Goalie Start

Grubauer will start Friday in Minnesota.

Source:

NHL.com 2022-04-22T23:51:18.276Z

Jordie Benn(Right Defenseman)(LD)|Free Agent FA

Line Change

Benn will draw into the Wild lineup on Friday.

Source:

Sarah McLellan 2022-04-22T23:47:18.274Z

Alex Goligoski(Right Defenseman)(LD)|Free Agent FA

Line Change

Goligoski will be a healthy scratch on Friday.

Source:

Sarah McLellan 2022-04-22T23:46:47.498Z

Mikko Rantanen(Right Wing)(RW)|Dallas Stars DAL

Injury

Rantanen (illness) will not play on Friday.

Source:

Peter Baugh 2022-04-22T23:44:22.946Z

Tim Stützle(Right Wing)(RW)|Ottawa Senators OTT

Injury

Stützle (undisclosed) will play Friday in Columbus.

Source:

NHL.com 2022-04-22T22:55:38.923Z

Ryker Evans(Defenseman)(D)|Seattle Kraken SEA

Signing

The Kraken have signed Ryker Evans to a three-year, entry-level contract.

Source:

Seattle Kraken 2022-04-22T22:22:00.833Z

Vitek Vanecek(Goalie)(G)|Utah Mammoth UTA

Goalie Start

Vanecek will start Friday in Arizona.

Source:

Tarik El-Bashir 2022-04-22T19:15:49.294Z

Bokondji Imama(Left Wing)(LW)|Pittsburgh Penguins PIT

Call Up

The Coyotes have recalled Bokondji Imama from Tucson (AHL).

With Jay Beagle (lower-body) and Nick Ritchie (upper-body) both hurt, Imama could make his NHL debut on Friday. The 6-foot-1, 221 lbs. winger has scored five goals with seven assists (12 points) and 178 PIMS in 54 games with Tucson this season.

Source:

@AZCoyotesPR 2022-04-22T18:21:28.422Z

Nick Ritchie(Left Wing)(LW)|Free Agent FA

Injury

Ritchie (upper-body) will not play on Friday.

Ritchie missed Wednesday's game vs. the Blackhawks and will miss his second straight game on Friday. With Ritchie and Jay Beagle (lower-body) both out, Bokondji Imama was recalled from Tucson (AHL) and is expected to make his NHL debut.

Source:

Craig Morgan 2022-04-22T18:19:28.581Z

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.