NHL Hockey Player News

Shesterkin will start vs. Pittsburgh on Friday.

The Rangers have won two straight and will roll with Shesterkin between the pipes on Friday against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Shesterkin wasn't heavily tested in his most recent outing but saved 15 of 17 shots (.882 SV%) in a 3-2 win over the Boston Bruins. Before that outing, the 29-year-old netminder was going through a troubling stretch where he allowed four or more goals in three straight (0-3-0), posting an ugly .806 SV%. The Rangers enter Friday's contest as -187 home favorites against a Penguins squad that will be without Sidney Crosby (upper body).

Igor Shesterkin
Thompson (upper-body) was a full participant in Buffalo's practice on Friday.

Thompson exited Sunday's 4-3 win over New Jersey Devils in the third period after being on the receiving end of an unsuspecting hit from Stefan Noesen. He did not play in Tuesday's 3-2 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets but could be an option when the Sabres return to action on Saturday against the Nashville Predators. The 27-year-old Thompson has been tremendous offensively lately, scoring 14 points (7G / 7A) in his last nine games.

Tage Thompson
Crosby (upper-body) will not play on Friday vs. New York.

Crosby exited Tuesday's 3-2 loss to the New Jersey Devils for eight minutes due to an undisclosed injury but returned to the contest, ending the game with one assist in 22:14 time-on-ice. The 37-year-old Crosby downplayed the severity of the injury following the game but has not fully participated in practice since and will not play on Friday against the New York Rangers. Penguins' head coach Mike Sullivan said they are taking his injury "day by day," obviously posing a concern for his availability in the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off tournament.

Sidney Crosby
Nedeljkovic will start in New York on Friday.

The Penguins will turn to Nedeljkovic between the pipes for a fifth consecutive game on Friday when they visit the New York Rangers. The 29-year-old Nedeljkovic has been excellent lately, allowing two or fewer goals in six of his last seven outings (4-2-1), posting a stellar .936 SV%. The Penguins, already without Evgeni Malkin (lower body), will be without Sidney Crosby (upper body) and enter the action on Friday as +167 road underdogs against a Rangers squad that defeated them 4-2 on December 6th.

Alex Nedeljkovic
Shesterkin was the first goalie off the ice at New York's morning skate.

The Rangers have won two straight and will likely roll with Shesterkin between the pipes on Friday against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Shesterkin wasn't heavily tested in his most recent outing but saved 15 of 17 shots (.882 SV%) in a 3-2 win over the Boston Bruins. Before that outing, the 29-year-old netminder was going through a troubling stretch where he allowed four or more goals in three straight (0-3-0), posting an ugly .806 SV%. The Rangers enter Friday's contest as -187 home favorites against a Penguins squad without Sidney Crosby (upper body).

Igor Shesterkin
Sheary has been reassigned to Syracuse (AHL).

Sheary was recalled on Thursday and played 11:18 time-on-ice in a 5-1 win over the Ottawa Senators, his first NHL action in several months. He was sent down to Syracuse (AHL) earlier this season, scoring 24 points (9G / 15A) in 31 games, his first stint in the AHL since breaking into the league in the 2015-16 season. The 32-year-old Sheary has 267 points (124G / 143A) in 593 career NHL games.

Conor Sheary
Bernstrom has been recalled from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (AHL).

Bemstrom has 228 games of NHL experience, including scoring five points (2G / 3A) in 24 games with Pittsburgh last season, but has spent the entirety of the 2024-25 campaign in the AHL. The 25-year-old forward has an impressive 41 points (19G / 22A) in 37 games with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (AHL).

Emil Bemstrom
Hellebuyck will start vs. the Islanders on Friday.

The Jets have won seven straight, including a 3-0 win with Eric Comrie between the pipe on Tuesday against the Carolina Hurricanes. Still, the club will return to their Vezina-winning netminder on Friday against the New York Islanders. The 31-year-old Hellebuyck is having another outstanding season, boasting an immaculate 2.04 GAA and .925 SV% in 42 games this season (33-7-2). The Jets enter Friday's game as -190 home favorites against a hot Islanders club that has won eight of their last nine (8-1-0).

Connor Hellebuyck
Demko will start in San Jose on Thursday.

Demko will make his 16th start of the season when the Canucks travel to San Jose to take on the Sharks on Thursday. Demko enjoyed his best start of the season in his last outing, stopping all 25 shots he faced in a 3-0 victory over the Avalanche. The shutout should be a big boost of confidence for Demko, who has struggled to regain his form this season since returning from injury. He's a great bet to stay in the win column on Thursday as the Canucks enter action at -190 on the money line.

Thatcher Demko
Evans (upper-body) will not play against the Maple Leafs on Thursday.

Evans has not played the previous three games due to an upper-body injury and will once again be unavailable on Thursday against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The 23-year-old Evans has 21 points (5G / 16A) in 50 games this season and is now considered day-to-day.

Ryker Evans
Daccord will start against the Maple Leafs on Thursday.

Seattle has lost two straight (0-1-1) and will roll with Daccord between the pipes on Thursday against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Daccord saved 36 of 40 shots (.900 SV%) in his most recent outing, a 5-4 shootout loss to the Detroit Red Wings. The 28-year-old netminder has a 2.49 GAA and .915 SV% in 36 appearances this season (18-13-3). Seattle enters the action on Thursday as +141 home underdogs against a Toronto team on a two-game winning streak.

Joey Daccord
Blackwood will start in Calgary on Thursday.

Colorado will roll with Blackwood between the pipes for a sixth straight game on Thursday when they visit the Calgary Flames. Blackwood played well in his most recent outing despite a 3-0 loss to the Vancouver Canucks, saving 28 of 30 shots (.933 SV%). He has a 2.04 GAA and .926 SV% in 20 games with the Sharks this season (12-6-2). Colorado enters the action on Thursday as -155 road favorites against a Flames club that has scored three or fewer goals in five of their last six games (2-4-0).

Mackenzie Blackwood
Joseph (illness) is on the ice for warmups and is expected to play against the Panthers on Thursday.

Joseph did not play on Tuesday due to an illness but will return to the lineup on Thursday against the Florida Panthers. The 27-year-old Joseph is averaging 12:05 time-on-ice, recording five points (2G / 3A) and 67 hits in 35 games this season.

Mathieu Joseph
The Maple Leafs reassigned Murray to the Toronto Marlies (AHL) on Thursday.

The move was expected as Anthony Stolarz was already confirmed to be returning from a knee injury on Thursday. Murray has started two games for the Maple Leafs this season, posting a 1-1-0 record and an .879 SV%. He has been spectacular at the AHL level this season, posting a 1.68 GAA and .934 SV% in 15 games (8-4-2)

Matt Murray

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.

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