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

NHL Hockey Player News

Dylan Strome(Center)(C)|Washington Capitals WSH

Injury

Strome has been removed from the COVID-19 protocol list and is expected to play Friday.

Strome has missed the last three games while in COVID-19 protocol but will likely play in the Blackhawks' back-to-back on Friday and Saturday. Strome skated on the top line with Patrick Kane and Brandon Hagel in Thursday's practice.

Source:

Charlie Roumeliotis 2022-01-20T17:32:41.091Z

Jason Robertson(Left Wing)(LW)|Dallas Stars DAL

Injury

Robertson (lower-body) will be a game-time decision on Thursday.

Robertson missed the last two games with a lower-body injury but will be a game-time decision on Thursday. Robertson did not take part in line rushes during the morning skate, suggesting that he will not play.

Source:

Mike Heika 2022-01-20T17:31:13.056Z

Braden Holtby(Goalie)(G)|Free Agent FA

Goalie Start

Holtby will start Thursday in Buffalo.

Source:

Saad Yousuf 2022-01-20T17:25:13.159Z

Danton Heinen(Left Wing)(LW)|Pittsburgh Penguins PIT

Injury

Heinen (COVID-19 protocol) will be a game-time decision on Thursday.

Heinen has missed the last four games while n COVID-19 protocol but is expected to be back in the lineup on Thursday. While he's officially listed as a game-time decision, expect him to be back on a line with Jeff Carter and Evan Rodrigues.

Source:

Josh Getzoff 2022-01-20T17:09:24.890Z

Zach Aston-Reese(Center)(C)|Columbus Blue Jackets CBJ

Injury

Aston-Reese (COVID-19 protocol) will be a game-time decision on Thursday.

Aston-Reese has missed the last four games while n COVID-19 protocol but is expected to be back in the lineup on Thursday. While he's officially listed as a game-time decision, expect him to be back on a line with Teddy Bluger and Brock McGinn.

Source:

Josh Getzoff 2022-01-20T17:08:30.451Z

Quinton Byfield(Right Wing)(RW)|Los Angeles Kings LAK

Injury

Byfield has been recalled from Ontario (AHL) and is expected to make his season debut on Thursday.

Byfield missed the start of the season with an injury and went straight to the AHL when he was healthy. The 19-year-old picked up four goals and two assists (six points) in 11 games with Ontario.

Source:

Dennis Bernstein 2022-01-20T17:07:02.871Z

Oskar Steen(Center)(C)|Free Agent FA

Line Change

Steen will be a healthy scratch on Thursday.

Steen played in nine straight games but will be scratched on Thursday with Nick Foligno (lower-body) set to return to the lineup. Steen has totalled five points (1G / 4A) in 12 games this season.

Source:

@BruinsDaily 2022-01-20T17:03:58.928Z

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

Goalie Start

Vanecek will start Thursday in Boston.

Source:

Samantha Pell 2022-01-20T16:54:45.108Z

Nick Foligno(Left Wing)(LW)|Chicago Blackhawks CHI

Injury

Foligno (lower-body) will return to the Bruins lineup on Thursday.

Foligno missed the last five games with a lower-body injury but will play Thursday vs. the Capitals. Foligno, who has just six points (1G / 5A) in 23 games this season, will replace Oskar Steen on the third line.

Source:

@BruinsDaily 2022-01-20T16:39:33.043Z

Jakub Voracek(Right Wing)(RW)|Free Agent FA

Injury

Voracek cleared COVID-19 protocol and will play Thursday in Philadelphia.

Voracek probably had this game scheduled on his calendar, so he joined the team late after clearing COVID-19 protocol and will play in Philadelphia. Voracek played 10 seasons (727 games) with the Flyers from 2012-to-2021.

Source:

Mark Scheig 2022-01-20T16:38:01.428Z

Jordan Martinook(Left Wing)(LW)|Carolina Hurricanes CAR

Injury

The Hurricanes added Jordan Martinook to the COVID-19 protocol list.

Martinook will miss Friday's game vs. the Rangers and Saturday's game in New Jersey after testing positive for COVID-19. Josh Leivo skated in his spot in Thursday's practice.

Source:

@Canes 2022-01-20T16:36:41.086Z

Tristan Jarry(Goalie)(G)|Edmonton Oilers EDM

Goalie Start

Jarry will start Thursday vs. the Senators.

Source:

Josh Getzoff 2022-01-20T16:33:58.327Z

Aaron Dell(Goalie)(G)|Free Agent FA

Goalie Start

Dell will start Thursday vs. the Stars.

Source:

Heather Engel 2022-01-20T16:28:42.190Z

Anton Forsberg(Goalie)(G)|Los Angeles Kings LAK

Goalie Start

Forsberg will start Thursday in Pittsburgh.

Source:

Bruce Garrioch 2022-01-20T16:20:07.527Z

Gustav Forsling(Defenseman)(D)|Florida Panthers FLA

Injury

The Panthers added Gustav Forsling to the COVID-19 protocol list on Wednesday.

Forsling will come out of the lineup for Thursday's game in Edmonton and will be replaced by Lucas Carlsson.

Source:

@FlaPanthers 2022-01-20T19:10:48.289Z

Elvis Merzlikins(Goalie)(G)|Columbus Blue Jackets CBJ

Goalie Start

Merzlikins will start Thursday in Philadelphia.

Source:

Mark Scheig 2022-01-20T16:03:36.519Z

Kyle Okposo(Right Wing)(RW)|Free Agent FA

Injury

Okposo is week-to-week with an upper-body injury.

Okposo left Tuesday's game in Ottawa following a hit from Erik Brannstrom and did not return. He's week-to-week, so the Sabres recalled Jack Quinn from Rochester (AHL) to replace Okposo.

Source:

@SabresPR 2022-01-20T15:57:24.991Z

Carter Hart(Goalie)(G)|Vegas Golden Knights VGK

Goalie Start

Hart was the first goalie off of the ice at the Flyers morning skate.

Source:

Jordan Hall 2022-01-20T15:45:57.253Z

Dmitry Orlov(Defenseman)(D)|San Jose Sharks SJS

Injury

Orlov was suspended for two games for kneeing Nikolaj Ehlers on Tuesday.

Orlov will not be available for Thursday's game in Boston, leaving the Capitals without Orlov and John Carlson on the blueline. Expect Dennis Cholowski to replace him.

Source:

NHL Player Safety 2022-01-20T15:25:03.466Z

John Gibson(Goalie)(G)|Detroit Red Wings DET

Goalie Start

Gibson led the Ducks onto the ice for warmups.

Source:

Elliott Teaford 2022-01-20T02:40:04.578Z

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.