NHL Hockey Player News

Dustin Wolf(Goalie)(G)|Calgary Flames CAL

Goalie Start

Wolf will start vs. Vancouver on Tuesday.

The Flames are coming off a 3-0 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights and will revert to Wolf between the pipes on Tuesday against the Vancouver Canucks. Wolf has been excellent lately, remaining in the conversation for the Calder trophy, allowing only nine goals in his last four games (3-0-1) and posting a .923 SV%. He has a 2.70 GAA and .912 SV% in 18 games (11-5-2). The Flames enter Tuesday's contest as slight -110 home favorites against a Canucks club that has lost four of their last five (1-2-2).

Source:

Pat Steinberg 2024-12-31T17:21:25.093Z

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

Goalie Start

Nedeljkovic was the first goalie off the ice at Pittsburgh's morning skate.

Nedeljkovic was excellent in his most recent outing, saving 29 of 31 shots in a 3-2 win over the New York Islanders, and will be rewarded with a second consecutive start. The 28-year-old Nedeljkovic has a 3.18 GAA and .890 SV% in 15 games this season (6-5-3) but has a .921 SV% in his last four contests (3-1-0). The Penguins enter Tuesday's contest as +111 home underdogs against a Detroit Red Wings club coming off an impressive 4-2 win over the Washington Capitals.

Source:

Josh Getzoff 2024-12-31T17:18:05.528Z

Filip Gustavsson(Goalie)(G)|Minnesota Wild MIN

Goalie Start

Gustavsson will start vs. Nashville on Tuesday.

Gustavsson was excellent in his most recent outing, saving 34 of 36 shots (.944 SV%) in a 3-1 losing effort to the Ottawa Senators, but will return to the crease on Tuesday against the Nashville Predators. The 26-year-old Gustavsson has an outstanding 2.25 GAA and .923 SV% in 25 games this season (16-6-3). Minnesota enters Tuesday's contest as -127 home favorites against a Nashville club coming off a 3-0 loss to the Winnipeg Jets last night.

Source:

Jessi Pierce 2024-12-31T17:01:59.547Z

Casey DeSmith(Goalie)(G)|Dallas Stars DAL

Goalie Start

DeSmith was the first goalie off the ice at Dallas' morning skate.

Source:

Bruce LeVine 2024-12-31T16:52:41.781Z

Pierre Engvall(Left Wing)(LW)|New York Islanders NYI

Line Change

Engvall will draw back into New York's lineup on Tuesday in Toronto.

Simon Holmstrom (upper body) will not play on Tuesday against the Toronto Maple Leafs, allowing Engvall to re-enter the lineup against his former team. The 28-year-old Engvall is averaging 12:41 time-on-ice and has seven points (3G / 4A) in 22 games this season.

Source:

Andrew Gross 2024-12-31T16:59:34.294Z

Simon Holmstrom(Right Wing)(RW)|New York Islanders NYI

Injury

Holmstrom is out vs. Toronto and considered day-to-day with an upper-body injury.

The Islanders will be without Holmstrom on Tuesday against the Toronto Maple Leafs due to an upper-body injury and will welcome Engvall back into the lineup. The 23-year-old Holmstrom has 22 points (9G / 13A) in 37 games this season and has been one of the top offensive contributors for the Islanders lately. He has 12 points (6G / 6A) in his last 14 games.

Source:

New York Islanders 2024-12-31T16:58:37.130Z

Kris Letang(Defenseman)(D)|Pittsburgh Penguins PIT

Injury

Letang (undisclosed) is expected to remain out on Tuesday in Detroit.

Letang was not at practice on Tuesday and will miss a second consecutive game on Tuesday due to an undisclosed injury. The veteran defenseman is averaging 23:24 time-on-ice and has 16 points (7G / 9A) in 34 games this season.

Source:

Matt Vensel 2024-12-31T16:55:26.531Z

John Beecher(Center)(C)|Boston Bruins BOS

Line Change

Beecher will draw back into Boston's lineup in Washington on Tuesday.

After playing every game for the last month and a half, Beecher was a healthy scratch on Saturday but will return to the lineup on Tuesday against the Washington Capitals. The 23-year-old Beecher is averaging 11:48 time-on-ice and has eight points (2G / 6A) in 36 games this season.

Source:

Kevin Dupont 2024-12-31T16:31:41.659Z

Jeremy Swayman(Goalie)(G)|Boston Bruins BOS

Goalie Start

Swayman will start in Washington on Tuesday.

Swayman has been inconsistent this season but had light work in his most recent outing, saving all 18 shots he faced in a 4-0 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets for his second shutout. He has a 2.93 GAA and .890 SV% in 26 games this season (13-10-3). The Bruins enter Tuesday's contest as +130 road underdogs against a Washington Capitals club coming off a disappointing 4-2 loss to the Detroit Red Wings.

Source:

Kevin Dupont 2024-12-31T16:29:22.497Z

Alex Lyon(Goalie)(G)|Buffalo Sabres BUF

Goalie Start

Lyon will start vs. Pittsburgh on Tuesday.

After losing four straight, being outscored 18-6, the Red Wings responded with an impressive 4-2 win over the Washington Capitals in their most recent outing. Lyon was excellent in the win over the Capitals, saving 25 of 27 shots (.926 SV%). The 32-year-old netminder has a 2.91 GAA and .897 SV% in 13 appearances this season (6-5-0). The Red Wings enter Tuesday's contest as -123 home favorites against a Pittsburgh Penguins club they defeated 3-2 on November 13th.

Source:

Ansar Khan 2024-12-31T16:07:23.234Z

Ondrej Becher(Center)(C)|Detroit Red Wings DET

Signing

Detroit has signed Ondrej Becher to a three-year, entry-level contract.

Becher was a third-round pick, 80th overall, of the Red Wings in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. The 20-year-old Czech forward has three points (1G / 2A) in 19 games with the Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL) this season.

Source:

Detroit Red Wings 2024-12-31T16:02:46.926Z

Marshall Rifai(Defenseman)(D)|Toronto Maple Leafs TOR

Call Up

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

With Oliver Ekman-Larsson (illness) out of the lineup, the Maple Leafs have recalled Rifai from the Marlies (AHL). The 26-year-old Rifai has four points (2G / 2A) in 24 games with the Marlies this season.

Source:

Leafs PR 2024-12-31T16:00:42.233Z

Pontus Holmberg(Right Wing)(RW)|Tampa Bay Lightning TBL

Injury

Holmberg (illness) is out on Tuesday vs. the Islanders.

Holmberg has been a regular in the lineup for the Maple Leafs lately but will not play on Tuesday due to an illness. the 25-year-old Holmberg is averaging 13:10 time-on-ice and has six points (2G / 4A) in 32 games this season.

Source:

Leafs PR 2024-12-31T16:01:37.039Z

Oliver Ekman-Larsson(Defenseman)(D)|Toronto Maple Leafs TOR

Injury

Ekman-Larsson (illness) will be out vs. the Islanders on Tuesday.

Ekman-Larsson did not practice on Monday due to an illness and will not play on Tuesday against the New York Islanders. The 33-year-old defenseman had played all 37 games for the Maple Leafs this season, averaging 20:59 time-on-ice and recording 13 points (1G / 12A), 52 hits, and 34 blocks.

Source:

Leafs PR 2024-12-31T15:59:38.208Z

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

Goalie Start

Merzlikins will start vs. Carolina on Tuesday.

The Blue Jackets are coming off a 4-0 loss to the Boston Bruins and will revert to Merzlikins between the pipes on Tuesday against the Carolina Hurricanes. Merzlikins was solid in his previous outing, saving 24 of 26 shots (.923 SV%) in a 6-2 win over the Bruins. He has a 3.09 GAA and .890 SV% in 23 games this season (11-9-3) and has not finished a season with a record above .500 since the 2021-22 campaign. The Blue Jackets enter Tuesday's contest as +188 home underdogs against a Hurricanes club that defeated them 4-1 two weeks ago.

Source:

Jeff Svoboda 2024-12-31T15:58:55.421Z

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

Injury

Matthews (upper-body) has been placed on IR retroactive to December 20th.

Matthews practiced as an extra forward on Monday but will miss a fifth consecutive game on Tuesday. The 27-year-old Matthews has had an injury-riddled 2024-25 campaign and is pacing for his lowest offensive output since his rookie season, with 23 points (11G / 22A) in 24 games.

Source:

Leafs PR 2024-12-31T15:53:45.660Z

Jakub Vrana(Left Wing)(LW)|Free Agent FA

Line Change

Vrana will be a healthy scratch on Tuesday vs. Boston.

After not playing 10 straight games, Vrana played the last seven but will return to the sidelines as a healthy scratch on Tuesday. He has 11 points (7G / 4A) in 23 games this season. Ivan Miroshnichenko will draw into the lineup as Vrana's replacement.

Source:

Stephen Whyno 2024-12-31T15:47:04.289Z

Ivan Miroshnichenko(Left Wing)(LW)|Washington Capitals WAS

Line Change

Miroshnichenko will draw into Washington's lineup vs. Boston on Tuesday.

Jakub Vrana will be a healthy scratch on Tuesday against the Boston Bruins, allowing Miroshnichenko to re-enter the lineup. The 20-year-old Miroshnichenko has not played since December 23rd. He has four points (1G / 3A) in 15 games this season.

Source:

Stephen Whyno 2024-12-31T15:45:50.341Z

Alex Lyon(Goalie)(G)|Buffalo Sabres BUF

Goalie Start

Lyon is in the starter's crease at the Red Wings morning skate.

Source:

Ansar Khan 2024-12-31T15:44:35.960Z

Logan Thompson(Goalie)(G)|Washington Capitals WAS

Goalie Start

Thompson will start Tuesday vs. the Bruins.

Thompson has won four of his last five, allowing three or fewer goals in each and posting a stellar .924 SV%, continuing his excellent 2024-25 campaign. The 27-year-old netminder has a 2.38 GAA and .916 SV% in 18 games (14-2-2). The Capitals are coming off a disappointing 4-2 loss to the Detroit Red Wings and enter Tuesday's contest as -144 home favorites against a Boston Bruins club coming off a 4-0 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Source:

Stephen Whyno 2024-12-31T15:40:23.764Z

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.