NHL Hockey Player News

Samuel Ersson(Goalie)(G)|Philadelphia Flyers PHI

Goalie Start

Ersson will start in New York on Thursday.

The Flyers will attempt to extend their point streak to four games (2-0-1), with Ersson tending the twine on Thursday against the New York Islanders. Ersson has played well lately, allowing three or fewer goals in five straight outings (4-1-0), posting a terrific .939 SV%. The 25-year-old netminder has a 2.87 GAA and .887 SV% in 22 appearances this season (11-7-2). The Flyers enter Thursday's contest as +120 road underdogs against an Islanders club that has only scored twice in their last two games (1-1-0).

Source:

Philadelphia Flyers 2025-01-16T16:10:18.244Z

Jake McCabe(Defenseman)(D)|Toronto Maple Leafs TOR

Injury

McCabe (upper-body) is expected to return vs. New Jersey on Thursday.

McCabe has not played since being injured in a fight with Philadelphia's Garnet Hathaway on January 5th. The 31-year-old McCabe has been a steadying force on Toronto's blue line and is averaging 20:52 time-on-ice, recording 11 points (1G / 10A), 68 blocks, and 72 hits in 36 games this season.

Source:

Lance Hornby 2025-01-16T16:06:58.440Z

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

Goalie Start

Bobrovsky will start vs. Detroit on Thursday.

The Panthers had Spencer Knight in their crease on Tuesday's 2-1 win over the New Jersey Devils but will revert to Bobrovsky on Thursday against the Detroit Red Wings. Bobrovsky has struggled in his last two contests (0-1-1), allowing eight combined goals on 47 shots (.830 SV%). The veteran netminder has a 2.78 GAA and .899 SV% in 30 games this season (18-10-2). The Panthers enter Thursday's contest as -236 home favorites against a Red Wings club whose seven-game winning streak snapped on Tuesday.

Source:

Jameson Olive 2025-01-16T15:49:16.975Z

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

Goalie Start

Merzlikins will start vs. San Jose on Thursday.

The red-hot Blue Jackets have won five straight and will turn to Merzlikins between the pipes on Thursday against the San Jose Sharks. Merzlikins was excellent in his previous outing, saving 29 of 31 shots (.935 SV%) in a 6-2 win over the Seattle Kraken. He has a 3.12 GAA and .889 SV% in 28 games this season (15-10-3). The Blue Jackets enter Thursday's contest as -163 home favorites against a Sharks team that snapped the Detroit Red Wings' seven-game winning streak with a 6-3 win on Tuesday.

Source:

Jeff Svoboda 2025-01-16T15:48:11.008Z

Ilya Sorokin(Goalie)(G)|New York Islanders NYI

Goalie Start

Sorokin was the first goalie off the ice at New York's morning skate.

Despite consecutive strong performances from Marcus Hodberg, the Islanders will likely return to Sorokin between the pipes on Thursday against the Philadelphia Flyers. The 29-year-old Sorokin is coming off arguably his best performance of the season, saving all 30 shots he faced in a 4-0 win over the Vegas Golden Knights for his second shutout. He has a 2.83 GAA and .902 SV% in 30 games this season (13-13-4). The Islanders enter Thursday's contest as -133 home favorites against a Flyers squad with points in three straight (2-0-1).

Source:

Stefen Rosner 2025-01-16T15:45:37.776Z

Leevi Merilainen(Goalie)(G)|Ottawa Senators OTT

Goalie Start

Merilainen is in Ottawa's starter's crease during morning skate on Thursday.

Merilainen has been phenomenal lately, taking the crease away from Anton Forsberg during Linus Ullmark's (back) absence. The 22-year-old Merilainen has a 1.99 GAA and .925 SV% in seven games this season (5-2-0). He has two shutouts in his previous three outings (3-0-0) and has saved 77 of 79 shots (.975 SV%). The Senators enter Thursday's contest as slight -106 home favorites against a Washington Capitals team outscoring their opposition 7-1 during a two-game winning streak.

Source:

TSN 1200 2025-01-16T15:42:29.057Z

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

Goalie Start

Bobrovsky is expected to start vs. Detroit on Thursday.

Source:

George Richards 2025-01-16T15:39:47.302Z

Joseph Woll(Goalie)(G)|Toronto Maple Leafs TOR

Goalie Start

Woll is expected to start vs. New Jersey on Thursday.

The Maple Leafs have lost three straight (0-3-0) and will turn to Woll between the pipes on Thursday against the New Jersey Devils. Woll struggled in his most recent outing, allowing four goals on 23 shots (.826 SV%) in a 4-1 loss to the Dallas Stars. The 26-year-old Woll has a 2.65 GAA and .908 SV% in 22 games this season (14-8-0). The Maple Leafs enter Thursday's contest as +115 home underdogs against a Devils squad they defeated 2-1 on December 10th.

Source:

David Alter 2025-01-16T15:34:33.397Z

Fraser Minten(Center)(C)|Boston Bruins BOS

Call Up

Minten has been recalled from the Toronto Marlies (AHL).

With John Tavares (lower body) placed on Injured Reserve, the Maple Leafs have recalled Minten from the Marlies (AHL). The 20-year-old Minten played well in a brief 11-game stint with the Maple Leafs earlier this season, scoring four points (2G / 2A).

Source:

Chris Johnston 2025-01-16T15:22:49.275Z

Donovan Sebrango(Defenseman)(D)|Ottawa Senators OTT

Call Up

Sebrango has been recalled from Belleville (AHL).

Sebrango was a third-round pick, 63rd overall, of the Detroit Red Wings in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. The 23-year-old defenseman has yet to play an NHL game and has 13 points (3G / 10A) in 28 games with the Belleville Senators (AHL) this season.

Source:

Sens Communications 2025-01-16T15:21:42.426Z

Brian Halonen(Left Wing)(LW)|New Jersey Devils NJD

Call Up

Halonen has been recalled from Utica (AHL).

Halonen made his NHL debut last season, playing two games with the Devils. The 26-year-old forward has primarily been an AHL player, including scoring 21 points (13G / 8A) in 31 games with the Utica Comets this season.

Source:

New Jersey Devils 2025-01-16T15:20:52.087Z

John Tavares(Center)(C)|Toronto Maple Leafs TOR

Injury

Tavares (lower-body) has been placed on IR and is considered week-to-week.

Tavares is producing at another near point-per-game pace with 42 points (20G / 22A) in 43 games this season. That said, the veteran forward has been held off the scoresheet in three straight. He will be out of the lineup on a week-to-week basis.

Source:

Chris Johnston 2025-01-16T15:19:53.476Z

Marcus Johansson(Left Wing)(LW)|Minnesota Wild MIN

Injury

Johansson left Wednesday’s game in Edmonton with an upper-body injury and did not return.

Johansson exited Wednesday's 5-3 loss to the Edmonton Oilers after 10:49 time-on-ice due to an upper-body injury. The 34-year-old Johansson has 16 points (5G / 11A) in 44 games this season.

Source:

Minnesota Wild PR 2025-01-16T15:18:28.832Z

Troy Stecher(Defenseman)(D)|Edmonton Oilers EDM

Line Change

Stecher will be a healthy scratch for Wednesday's game in Minnesota.

Stecher will be the odd-man out on the Oilers blue-line as Edmonton is opting to dress just six defencemen tonight. Noah Philp will draw into the lineup in his place.

Source:

Tony Brar 2025-01-16T01:27:29.129Z

Noah Philp(Center)(C)|Edmonton Oilers EDM

Line Change

Philp will draw into the Oilers lineup on Wednesday.

Philp will skate on the fourth line as the Oilers opt for a more traditional lineup tonight of six defencemen and seven forwards. It's just his fourth NHL game of the season. Philp has nine goals and eights assists in 28 AHL games this season.

Source:

Tony Brar 2025-01-16T01:26:28.925Z

Mattias Ekholm(Defenseman)(D)|Edmonton Oilers EDM

Injury

Ekholm (undisclosed) will play in Minnesota on Wednesday.

Ekholm has been a staple on Edmonton's blue line this season, averaging 22:51 time-on-ice, and will thankfully be available on Wednesday night. The 34-year-old defenseman has 18 points (6G / 12A) and 62 blocks in 43 games this season.

Source:

Jack Michaels 2025-01-16T01:23:21.513Z

Beck Malenstyn(Left Wing)(LW)|Buffalo Sabres BUF

Injury

Malenstyn (illness) will return vs. Carolina on Wednesday.

Source:

Buffalo Sabres 2025-01-15T22:37:02.272Z

Jacob Bryson(Defenseman)(D)|Buffalo Sabres BUF

Line Change

Bryson will be a healthy scratch on Wednesday vs. Carolina.

Source:

Heather Engel 2025-01-15T22:33:12.001Z

Mattias Samuelsson(Defenseman)(D)|Buffalo Sabres BUF

Injury

Samuelsson (illness) is expected to rejoin Buffalo's lineup on Wednesday vs. Carolina.

Jacob Bryson will be a healthy scratch on Wednesday, allowing Samuelsson to return from a multi-game absence due to an illness. The 24-year-old Samuelsson is averaging 18:21 time-on-ice and has five points (2G / 3A) in 26 games this season.

Source:

Heather Engel 2025-01-15T22:35:32.877Z

Dustin Tokarski(Goalie)(G)|Carolina Hurricanes CAR

Goalie Start

Tokarski will start in Buffalo on Wednesday.

The Hurricanes have struggled to find victories with Pyotr Kochetkov between the pipes lately, so they will turn to Tokarski for the third time in the past six games. The 35-year-old Tokarski was excellent in his most recent outing, saving all 14 shots he faced for his third career shutout in a 2-0 win over the Vancouver Canucks. He has a 2.00 GAA and .907 SV% in five games this season (4-1-0). The Hurricanes enter Wednesday's contest as -197 road favorites against a Buffalo Sabres club coming off a 6-2 los

Source:

Heather Engel 2025-01-15T22:31:28.742Z

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 Trade News and Analysis – Get all the latest NHL trade rumours and team transaction analysis.
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.