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NHL Hockey Player News

Dean Kukan(Right Defenseman)(LD)|Free Agent FA

Injury

Kukan (wrist) has been activated from IR and will return to the lineup on Tuesday.

Kukan has been sidelined since October 25th with a broken wrist but is set to play Tuesday vs. the Lightning. Kukan will replace Zach Werenski, who is in COVID-19 protocol.

Source:

Aaron Portzline 2022-01-04T15:45:38.397Z

Alexandre Texier(Left Wing)(LW)|Montreal Canadiens MTL

Injury

Texier will not play Tuesday due to a non-COVID illness.

This is a huge blow for the Blue Jackets, who will also be without Zach Werenski and Elvis Merzlikins. Texier has been red-hot as of late, posting 10 points (5G / 5A) in his last 10 games.

Source:

Brian Hedger 2022-01-04T15:43:41.299Z

Carter Verhaeghe(Center)(C)|Florida Panthers FLA

Injury

Verhaeghe (undisclosed) will be a game-time decision on Tuesday.

Verhaeghe missed Tuesday's morning skate and is listed as a game-time decision vs. the Flames. Missing Verhaeghe will be even more detrimental on Tuesday with Sam Bennett, Sam Reinhart and Mason Marchment all unavailable.

Source:

@FlaPanthers 2022-01-04T15:40:20.556Z

Sergei Bobrovsky(Goalie)(G)|Florida Panthers FLA

Goalie Start

Bobrovsky will start Tuesday vs. the Flames.

Bobrovsky stopped 29 of 31 shots in the Panthers' win over the Canadiens on New Year's Day. Bobrovsky has won two in a row and four of his last six while allowing 16 goals on 169 shots (.905 SV%). On Tuesday, he'll play behind a Panthers team that is without Sam Bennett, Sam Reinhart and Mason Marchment.

Source:

Jameson Olive 2022-01-04T15:38:52.946Z

Taylor Raddysh(Right Wing)(RW)|New York Rangers NYR

Injury

The Lightning have activated Taylor Raddysh from the COVID-19 protocol list.

Raddysh missed the last three games while in COVID-19 protocol but is expected to play Tuesday in Columbus. It's unclear where Raddysh will slot into the lineup but he has eight points (4G / 4A) in his last 11 games.

Source:

Erik Erlendsson 2022-01-04T15:08:42.630Z

Jean-Francois Berube(Goalie)(G)|Free Agent FA

Call Up

The Blue Jackets have recalled J-F Berube from Cleveland (AHL).

With Elvis Merzlikins dealing with lower-body discomfort, Berube is expected to back up Joonas Korpisalo on Tuesday. Berube has gone 4-4-3 with a 2.82 GAA and .912 SV% in 11 AHL games this season.

Source:

Brian Hedger 2022-01-04T15:06:40.915Z

Joonas Korpisalo(Goalie)(G)|Boston Bruins BOS

Goalie Start

The Blue Jackets did not announce a starting goalie: Korpisalo is projected to start.

Korpisalo has cleared COVID-19 protocol and will make his first appearance since December 16th. Korpisalo has given up at least three goals in seven straight starts, going 3-3-0 with an .872 SV%. Tonight he'll face a Lightning team that is on a three-game losing skid but are in the top-half in the NHL in xGF/60 (2.83).

Source:

Aaron Portzline 2022-01-04T15:42:17.483Z

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

Injury

Merzlikins (lower-body) is not expected to be available on Tuesday.

Merzlikins missed Monday's practice with "lower-body discomfort" and is not expected to dress on Tuesday. The Blue Jackets recalled J-F Berube from Cleveland (AHL) to serve as Joonas Korpisalo's backup.

Source:

Brian Hedger 2022-01-04T15:02:03.542Z

Zach Werenski(Defenseman)(D)|Columbus Blue Jackets CBJ

Injury

The Blue Jackets have placed Zach Werenski in COVID-19 protocol.

Werenski was not on the ice for Monday's practice and was placed on the COVID-19 protocol list on Tuesday. With Werenski out, Adam Boqvist moved up to the top pairing and is expected to be on the top power-play unit as well.

Source:

Brian Hedger 2022-01-04T15:00:11.713Z

Sergei Bobrovsky(Goalie)(G)|Florida Panthers FLA

Goalie Start

Bobrovsky is in the starter's crease at the Panthers morning skate.

Source:

Steve Goldstein 2022-01-04T15:13:24.525Z

Sam Bennett(Center)(C)|Florida Panthers FLA

Suspension

Bennett was suspended for three games for an illegal check to the head on Cedric Paquette.

Source:

NHL Player Safety 2022-01-04T03:30:11.204Z

Nils Lundkvist(Defenseman)(D)|Dallas Stars DAL

Line Change

Lundkvist will be a healthy scratch on Monday.

Source:

Vince Mercogliano 2022-01-03T23:33:53.094Z

Patrik Nemeth(Right Defenseman)(LD)|Arizona Coyotes ARI

Injury

Nemeth will not play Monday due to a non-COVID illness.

Source:

Mollie Walker 2022-01-03T23:33:41.001Z

Mikko Koskinen(Goalie)(G)|Free Agent FA

Goalie Start

Koskinen led the Oilers onto the ice for warmups.

Source:

Dan Rosen 2022-01-03T23:31:40.676Z

Alexandar Georgiev(Goalie)(G)|Buffalo Sabres BUF

Goalie Start

Georgiev will start Monday vs. the Oilers.

Source:

Mollie Walker 2022-01-03T22:09:45.045Z

Mikko Koskinen(Goalie)(G)|Free Agent FA

Goalie Start

Koskinen is expected to start Monday in New York.

Source:

@EdmontonOilers 2022-01-03T21:23:20.720Z

Auston Matthews(Center)(C)|Toronto Maple Leafs TOR

Injury

Matthews was held out of Monday's practice due to a positive rapid test, awaiting results of his PCR test.

Source:

Joshua Kloke 2022-01-03T21:08:34.477Z

Mark Stone(Right Wing)(RW)|Vegas Golden Knights VGK

Injury

Stone (undisclosed) is doubtful for Tuesday's game vs. Nashville.

Source:

David Schoen 2022-01-03T21:06:52.988Z

Robin Lehner(Goalie)(G)|Free Agent FA

Injury

Lehner (lower-body) is doubtful for Tuesday's game vs. Nashville.

Source:

David Schoen 2022-01-03T21:06:40.955Z

Jack Campbell(Goalie)(G)|Free Agent FA

Goalie Start

Campbell will start Wednesday vs. the Oilers.

Source:

David Alter 2022-01-03T21:06:26.079Z

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.