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

NHL Hockey Player News

Dylan Larkin(Center)(C)|Detroit Red Wings DET

Injury

Larkin (upper-body) will be a game-time decision on Thursday.

Larkin missed Tuesday's game in San Jose but was on the ice for today's morning skate and will be a game-time decision vs. the Jets. Monitor Larkin's status as the Red Wings hit the ice for warmups at 7:00 PM ET.

Source:

Daniella Bruce 2022-01-13T16:18:56.779Z

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

Goalie Start

Merzlikins will be back in the Blue Jackets net on Thursday.

Source:

Mark Scheig 2022-01-13T16:09:11.512Z

Ondrej Palat(Left Wing)(LW)|New York Islanders NYI

Injury

Palat (undisclosed) will not play Thursday.

Palat was held out of part of Tuesday's win in Buffalo and will not play Thursday vs. the Canucks. With Palat out, Mathieu Joseph skated on the top line in the morning skate.

Source:

Bryan Burns 2022-01-13T16:04:39.577Z

Alex Nedeljkovic(Goalie)(G)|San Jose Sharks SJS

Goalie Start

Nedeljkovic was the first goalie off of the ice at the Red Wings morning skate.

Source:

Daniella Bruce 2022-01-13T15:56:09.145Z

Frederik Andersen(Goalie)(G)|Edmonton Oilers EDM

Goalie Start

Andersen was in the starter's crease at the Hurricanes morning skate.

Source:

Cory Lavalette 2022-01-13T15:45:08.367Z

Cayden Primeau(Goalie)(G)|Carolina Hurricanes CAR

Call Up

The Canadiens have recalled Cayden Primeau from Laval (AHL).

With Jake Allen getting hurt on Wednesday, Primeau returns to the NHL where he will likely serve as Samuel Montembeault's backup on Thursday. Primeau has gone 8-6-1 with a 2.77 GAA and .912 SV% in 16 AHL games this season.

Source:

Renaud Lavoie 2022-01-13T15:25:58.717Z

Paul Stastny(Center)(C)|Free Agent FA

Injury

The Jets have placed Paul Stastny on the COVID-19 protocol list.

Stastny will miss Thursday's game in Detroit, leaving the Jets top line without Stastny and Nikolaj Ehlers. Expect Cole Perfetti and Evgeny Svechnikov to move up into the top-6.

Source:

@WpgJetsPR 2022-01-13T15:21:52.340Z

Alexander Barabanov(Right Wing)(RW)|Free Agent FA

Injury

Barabanov was added to the COVID-19 protocol list on Wednesday; will not play Thursday.

Barabanov has been skating on the Sharks' top line but will not be available for Thursday's game. Rudolfs Balcers will return to the lineup and will likely replace Barabanov in the top-6.

Source:

Sheng Peng 2022-01-13T15:14:38.593Z

Rudolfs Balcers(Left Wing)(LW)|Free Agent FA

Injury

Balcers (lower-body) will return to the Sharks lineup on Thursday.

Balcers has been out since December 3rd but will return to the lineup on Thursday vs. the Rangers. Balcers will likely replace Alexander Barabanov (COVID-19 protocol) in the top-6.

Source:

Curtis Pashelka 2022-01-13T15:10:08.721Z

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

Goalie Start

Hart will start Thursday in Boston.

Source:

Jordan Hall 2022-01-13T12:56:02.054Z

Jon Gillies(Goalie)(G)|Free Agent FA

Goalie Start

Gillies will start Thursday against the Islanders.

Source:

Amanda Stein 2022-01-13T12:55:28.394Z

Karel Vejmelka(Goalie)(G)|Utah Mammoth UTA

Goalie Start

Vejmelka will start Wednesday vs. the Maple Leafs.

Source:

@ArizonaCoyotes 2022-01-13T02:26:38.018Z

Philipp Grubauer(Goalie)(G)|Seattle Kraken SEA

Goalie Start

Grubauer will start Wednesday in Dallas.

Source:

Marisa Ingemi 2022-01-12T19:36:03.196Z

Rem Pitlick(Center)(C)|Free Agent FA

Waiver Move

The Canadiens have claimed Rem Pitlick off of waivers from the Wild.

Pitlick was claimed by the Wild from Nashville in early October and had 11 points (6G / 5A) in 20 games before being waived on Tuesday. He should slot into the Canadiens bottom-6 immediately.

Source:

Elliotte Friedman 2022-01-12T19:05:07.630Z

Max McCormick(Left Wing)(LW)|Free Agent FA

Injury

McCormick will be back in the Kraken lineup on Wednesday.

McCormick was a healthy scratch on Monday but will replace Morgan Geekie (upper-body) in the lineup on Wednesday. McCormick has no points in eight games this season.

Source:

Marisa Ingemi 2022-01-12T18:21:12.204Z

Morgan Geekie(Center)(C)|Boston Bruins BOS

Injury

Geekie is day-to-day with an upper-body injury.

Geekie will not play Wednesday in Dallas, so Alex Wennberg will move up to the third line and Max McCormick will draw back into the lineup.

Source:

Alison Lukan 2022-01-12T18:19:18.212Z

Philipp Grubauer(Goalie)(G)|Seattle Kraken SEA

Goalie Start

Grubauer was the first goalie off of the ice at the Kraken morning skate.

Source:

Marisa Ingemi 2022-01-12T18:10:37.866Z

Kirill Kaprizov(Left Wing)(LW)|Minnesota Wild MIN

Injury

Kaprizov (upper-body) is expected to be back in the Wild lineup on Friday.

Kaprizov ended up missing just one game with an upper-body injury that he suffered last Thursday. In addition to getting Kaprizov back on Friday, Joel Eriksson Ek, Jordan Greenway and Brandon Duhaime are also expected to play.

Source:

Michael Russo 2022-01-12T18:00:54.006Z

Joel Eriksson Ek(Center)(C)|Minnesota Wild MIN

Injury

Eriksson Ek (upper-body) is expected to be back in the Wild lineup on Friday.

Eriksson Ek missed the last three games with an upper-body injury but is set to be back in the lineup on Friday. In addition to Eriksson Ek, the Wild are also expected to get Kirill Kaprizov, Jordan Greenway and Brandon Duhaime back.

Source:

Michael Russo 2022-01-12T17:59:52.876Z

Mackenzie Blackwood(Goalie)(G)|Colorado Avalanche COL

Injury

The Devils have placed Mackenzie Blackwood on the COVID-19 protocol list.

Blackwood joins Akira Schimd on the COVID-19 protocol list, leaving the Devils with only Jon Gillies between the pipes. Expect Blackwood to miss tomorrow's game against the Islanders but should be back for their next game, next Wednesday vs. Arizona.

Source:

@NJDevils 2022-01-12T17:58:49.473Z

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.