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NHL Hockey Player News

Crozier (undisclosed) will be out Friday and is considered week-to-week.

Crozier exited Tuesday's game against the Washington Capitals due to an undisclosed injury and will be sidelined week-to-week, beginning with Friday's contest against the Minnesota Wild. The 25-year-old Crozier was off to a hot start in 2025-26, scoring three points (0G / 3A) in four games.

Maxwell Crozier
Grubauer is expected to start in Ottawa on Thursday.

Grubauer will occupy Seattle's crease for the first time this season when the team visits the Ottawa Senators on Thursday. The 33-year-old Grubauer has shown little value since joining Seattle in the 2021-22 season, posting an ugly 3.07 GAA and .890 SV% in 156 combined appearances (57-78-12). Grubauer had a career-worst 3.49 GAA and .875 SV% in 26 games last season (8-17-1), in addition to a seven-game stint where he was demoted to the Coachella Valley Firebirds (AHL). Seattle enters the action on Thursday as +127 road underdogs against an Ottawa Senators team coming off an 8-4 loss to the Buffalo Sabres last night.

Philipp Grubauer
Saros is in the starter's crease at Nashville's morning skate.

Saros served as the backup to Justus Annunen for the first time in Nashville's most recent game, a 7-4 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs, but he will likely return to the crease on Thursday against the Montreal Canadiens. After an uncharacteristically weak 2024-25 season, the 30-year-old Saros is off to an excellent start in 2025-26, showcasing a 1.64 GAA and .947 SV% in three games (2-0-1). The Predators enter Thursday's contest as +133 road underdogs against a Canadiens team that has outscored their opposition 13-7 during a three-game winning streak.

Juuse Saros
DeSmith is in the starter's crease at Dallas' morning skate.

The Stars (3-0-0) are one of two teams without a loss this season and will turn to DeSmith for the first time on Thursday when they host the Vancouver Canucks. The 34-year-old DeSmith was excellent in a backup role with the Stars last season, posting a solid 2.59 GAA, .915 SV%, and two shutouts in 27 appearances (14-8-2). DeSmith could see a slight uptick in playing time this season, as the Stars have expressed interest in wanting to keep starting netminder Jake Oettinger sharp for the playoffs. The Stars enter the action on Thursday as -172 home favorites against a Canucks team off to a 1-2-0 start in the 2025-26 season.

Casey DeSmith
Borgen (lower-body) will be a game-time decision in Toronto on Thursday.

Borgen showed no signs of an injury in Tuesday's 2-0 loss to the Edmonton Oilers, playing a season-high 20:32 time-on-ice, but did not participate in practice on Wednesday. His status for Thursday's game against the New York Rangers is up in the air. The Rangers recalled defenseman Scott Morrow from the Hartford Wolf Pack (AHL) as a potential replacement if Borgen is not able to play.

Will Borgen
Allen will start vs. Florida on Thursday.

Allen did not finish Monday's game against the Columbus Blue Jackets due to cramping and was replaced by Jacob Markstrom in the eventual 3-2 win. However, Markstrom suffered a lower-body injury in the process and will be out of the lineup week-to-week. As such, Allen will share the crease with recently recalled Nico Daws for the foreseeable future. The 35-year-old Allen was solid before exiting Monday's game, saving 23 of 24 shots (.958 SV%) through 40 minutes. The Devils enter Thursday's contest as -151 home favorites against a Florida Panthers team that played last night and lost 4-1 to the Detroit Red Wings.

Jake Allen
Lorentz will be a healthy scratch vs. New York on Thursday.

Lorentz was battling an upper-body injury and did not play on Monday, and will remain out of the lineup as a healthy scratch on Thursday against the New York Rangers. The 29-year-old Lorentz has two points (0G / 2A) in two games this season.

Steven Lorentz
Allen was the first goalie off the ice at New Jersey's morning skate.

Allen did not finish Monday's game against the Columbus Blue Jackets due to cramping and was replaced by Jacob Markstrom in the eventual 3-2 win. However, Markstrom suffered a lower-body injury in the process and will be out of the lineup week-to-week. As such, Allen will share the crease with recently recalled Nico Daws for the foreseeable future. The 35-year-old Allen was solid before exiting Monday's game, saving 23 of 24 shots (.958 SV%) through 40 minutes. The Devils enter Thursday's contest as -151 home favorites against a Florida Panthers team that played last night and lost 4-1 to the Detroit Red Wings.

Jake Allen
Xhekaj is expected to be a healthy scratch vs. Nashville on Thursday.

For the first time this season, Xhekaj will head to the sidelines to serve as a healthy scratch. The 24-year-old Xhekaj is averaging 10:53 time-on-ice, recording one point (0G / 1A), five blocks, and nine hits through four games this season. Jayden Struble will draw into Montreal's lineup as Xhekaj's replacement.

Arber Xhekaj
Dobes will start vs. Nashville on Thursday.

After a loss on opening night, the Canadiens have won three straight and will turn to Dobes between the pipes on Thursday against the Nashville Predators. The 24-year-old Dobes was solid in his only outing this season, saving 30 of 31 shots (.968 SV%) in a 5-1 win over the Detroit Red Wings. The Czech netminder earned himself the backup role in Montreal last season after posting a 2.74 and .909 SV% in 16 appearances (7-4-3). The Canadiens enter the action on Thursday as -148 home favorites against a Predators team that has points in three of their first four games (2-1-1).

Jakub Dobes
Ersson will start vs. Winnipeg on Thursday.

The Flyers are off to a 1-1-1 start to the 2025-26 season and will turn to Ersson for his second start between the pipes. The 25-year-old Ersson was serviceable in his only outing this season, saving 35 of 39 shots (.897 SV%), but allowed the game-deciding goal late in overtime in a 4-3 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. Goaltending counterpart Dan Vladar has been solid to start his Flyers' tenure, so Ersson will need to string together some consistent play if he hopes to increase his workload this season. The Flyers enter Thursday's contest as +120 home underdogs against a Winnipeg Jets team that is averaging 4.0 goals per game through three games this season (2-1-0).

Samuel Ersson
Merzlikins will start vs. Colorado on Thursday.

The Blue Jackets have alternated goalies through the first three games of the regular season and will continue that trend in game four on Thursday against the Colorado Avalanche, awarding Merzlikins his second start of 2025-26. The 31-year-old Merzlikins played well in his only contest this season, despite allowing four goals, saving a whopping 48 of 52 shots (.923 SV%) in a 7-4 win over the Minnesota Wild. The Blue Jackets enter Thursday's contest as +139 home underdogs against an Avalanche team that has outscored its opponents 13-8 through four games this season (3-0-1).

Elvis Merzlikins
Stolarz will start vs. New York on Thursday.

Stolarz had his first night off in Toronto's most recent outing, paving the way for a Cayden Primeau to tend the twine in a 7-4 win over the Nashville Predators, but Stolarz will return to the crease on Thursday against the New York Rangers. The 31-year-old Stolarz has a 1-2-0 record to start the 2025-26 season, posting a 3.05 GAA and .886 SV%. Though still early in the season, Stolarz's early-season numbers are a far cry from the 2.14 GAA and .926 SV% he posted in 34 games last season (21-8-3). The Maple Leafs enter Thursday's contest as -129 home favorites against a Rangers team that has been shut out in three of five games this season (2-3-0).

Anthony Stolarz
Stolarz is in the starter's crease at Toronto's morning skate.

Stolarz had his first night off in Toronto's most recent outing, paving the way for a Cayden Primeau to tend the twine in a 7-4 win over the Nashville Predators, but Stolarz will return to the crease on Thursday against the New York Rangers. The 31-year-old Stolarz has a 1-2-0 record to start the 2025-26 season, posting a 3.05 GAA and .886 SV%. Though still early in the season, Stolarz's early-season numbers are a far cry from the 2.14 GAA and .926 SV% he posted in 34 games last season (21-8-3). The Maple Leafs enter Thursday's contest as -129 home favorites against a Rangers team that has been shut out in three of five games this season (2-3-0).

Anthony Stolarz
Kaliyev has been recalled from Belleville (AHL).

Kaliyev signed with Ottawa in the offseason and started the 2025-26 campaign in the AHL, tallying two points (0G / 2A) in two games with the Belleville Sentors. The 24-year-old is no stranger to the NHL, with 202 games of experience, mostly with the Los Angeles Kings, scoring 75 career points (38G / 37A).

Arthur Kaliyev
Merzlikins is in the starter's crease at Columbus's morning skate.

The Blue Jackets have alternated goalies through the first three games of the regular season and will continue that trend in game four on Thursday against the Colorado Avalanche, awarding Merzlikins his second start of 2025-26. The 31-year-old Merzlikins played well in his only contest this season, despite allowing four goals, saving a whopping 48 of 52 shots (.923 SV%) in a 7-4 win over the Minnesota Wild. The Blue Jackets enter Thursday's contest as +139 home underdogs against an Avalanche team that has outscored its opponents 13-8 through four games this season (3-0-1).

Elvis Merzlikins
Soderblom will start in St. Louis on Wednesday.

The Blackhawks are off to a 1-2-1 start to the 2025-26 season and will turn to Soderblom for the second time on Wednesday when they visit the St. Louis Blues. The 26-year-old Soderblom hopes to rebound after an upsetting first performance of the season, allowing four goals on 33 shots (.879 SV%) in a 4-3 loss to the Boston Bruins. The Blackhawks enter the action on Wednesday as significant +214 home underdogs against a Blues team that is 2-1-0 to start the season.

Arvid Soderblom

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!