The Flames have recalled Byron Froese from Stockton (AHL).
NHL Hockey Player News
Goalie Start
Hellebuyck is expected to start Thursday in Seattle.
The Maple Leafs have acquired Chad Krys from the Blackhawks for Kurtis Gabriel.
Krys was a second-round pick (No.45 overall) in 2016 but has yet to make it to the NHL. The 23-year-old blueliner has picked up one assists in eight AHL games this season. He'll report to the Toronto Marlies (AHL).
The Blackhawks have acquired Kurtis Gabriel from the Maple Leafs for Chad Krys.
Gabriel is a massive body (6-foot-4, 200 lbs) who has one goal, one assist and 36 PIMS in 13 AHL games this season. The 2013 third-round pick has just five points (2G / 3A) in 49 career NHL games with the Wild, Devils, Sharks and Maple Leafs.
The Lightning have signed Roman Schmidt to a three-year, entry-level contract.
Schmidt was a third-round pick (No.96 overall) in this summer's NHL Draft. The former USNDT player is now in the OHL and has picked up 11 points (6G / 5A) in 22 games on the Kitchener Rangers' blueline.
Goalie Start
Gibson will start Thursday in Columbus.
Goalie Start
Skinner will start Thursday vs. the Bruins.
Goalie Start
Grubauer will start Thursday vs. the Jets.
Jarnkrok (undisclosed) has been activated from IR and is expected to be in the lineup on Thursday.
Jarnkrok was a game-time decision on Monday but did not play vs. the Penguins. Now that he's been activated from IR, he should play Thursday vs. the Jets. Jarnkrok has scored just one goal with one assist in 14 games this season.
Giordano has been activated from the COVID-19 protocol list and is expected to play Thursday.
Giordano missed six games while he was on the COVID-19 protocol list but is expected to play Thursday vs. the Jets. Giordano should be back on the top pair and top PP unit and comes in with seven points (3G / 4A) in 19 games.
Hronek (undisclosed) is expected to play on Thursday.
Hronek is dealing with some bumps and bruises and was questionable after missing Wednesday's practice. Head coach Jeff Blashill expects Hronek to play and he comes in with 12 points (2G / 10A) in 24 games.
Ceci (COVID-19) will return to the Oilers lineup on Thursday.
Ceci has missed the last four games in COVID-19 protocol but was activated and is expected to play Thursday. Ceci has one goal and five assists (six points) in 20 games this season.
McCabe (personal) will be back in the Blackhawks lineup on Thursday.
McCabe has missed the last three games due to personal reasons but will be back in the lineup in Montreal. McCabe should be back on the second pair with Connor Murphy, who also returns to the lineup.
Murphy (concussion) will draw into the Blackhawks lineup on Thursday.
Murphy has missed the last three games with a concussion but will be back in the lineup in Montreal. Murphy should be back on the second pair with Jake McCabe, who also returns to the lineup.
Line Change
Kurashev will re-enter the Blackhawks lineup on Thursday.
It will be Kurashev's first game since November 28th. He was recently recalled after going to the AHL for a brief stint. He had two goals and one assist in three games with the IceHogs.
Line Change
Strome will be a healthy scratch on Thursday.
Strome picked up one goal and one assist in his last two games but will come back out of the lineup on Thursday. Philipp Kurashev will draw back into the lineup to replace Strome.
Goalie Start
Skinner is in the starter's crease at the Oilers morning skate.
Goalie Start
Markstrom will start Thursday vs. the Hurricanes.
Line Change
Nash will make his Lightning debut on Thursday.
Nash was claimed off of waivers from the Jets on Tuesday and is set to make his debut in Toronto. Nash is an all-defence type of forward, so he'll slot into the bottom-6, although it's unclear who he will replace in the lineup.
Cirelli (undisclosed) will be a game-time decision on Thursday.
Cirelli picked up an injury vs. the Canadiens on Tuesday and missed Thursday's morning skate. Head coach Jon Cooper called Cirelli a game-time decision and they will need him vs. the Maple Leafs.
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.