NHL Hockey Player News

Celebrini (development day) will be a game-time decision on Monday in Philadelphia.

On the tail end of a back-to-back, the Sharks are contemplating taking Celebrini out of the lineup for a development day. The 18-year-old rookie has been impressive early in his first season, despite being limited to only four games due to injury, with four points (3G / 1A). The Sharks have been liberal about resting their young talent early in the season, including resting 19-year-old Will Smith last night.

Macklin Celebrini
Oettinger is expected to start on Monday in Pittsburgh.

The Stars have been outscored 15-10 during a 1-3-0 stretch and will likely turn to Oettinger for a third straight game on Monday when they face off against the Pittsburgh Penguins. After a stellar start to the season, posting a .953 SV% and allowing only six total goals in his first four games (4-0-0), Oettinger has fallen off significantly, allowing three or more in three of his next five (2-3-0), posting an ugly .863 SV%. The Stars enter the action on Monday as -157 road favorites against a Penguins club coming off an impressive 4-2 victory over the Washington Capitals.

Jake Oettinger
Vanecek will start on Monday in Philadelphia.

On the tail end of a back-to-back, a night after a 1-0 win over the New Jersey Devils courtesy of an incredible 44-save shutout by Mackenzie Blackwood, the Sharks will turn to Vanecek between the pipes. The 28-year-old Vanecek has a 3.32 GAA and .898 SV% in eight games this season (2-5-0). The Sharks enter the action on Monday as +227 road underdogs against a Philadelphia Flyers club that has lost three of their last four (1-2-1).

Vitek Vanecek
Smith will draw back into San Jose's lineup on Monday vs. Philadelphia.

Smith had the night off on Sunday, a scheduled development day, but will draw back into the lineup on Monday against the Philadelphia Flyers. After scoring zero points in his first eight games, the 19-year-old Smith has three points (2G / 1A) in his previous four outings.

Will Smith
Wolf will start on Monday vs. Los Angeles.

After utilizing an even goalie rotation the first four weeks of the season, the Flames will turn to Wolf between the pipes for the third time in the last four games. That said, the 23-year-old Wolf has battled through adversity lately, allowing four or more goals in three of the last four (1-2-1). Wolf has a 3.10 GAA and .906 SV% in seven games (4-2-1) this season. The Flames enter the action on Monday as +117 home favorites against a Los Angeles Kings club that has won three of their last four (3-1-0).

Dustin Wolf
Athanasiou has been placed on waivers with purpose of reassignment.

Athanasiou, a one-time 30-goal scorer, has been placed on waivers by the Blackhawks. The 30-year-old Athanasiou scored 30 goals in 76 games in the 2018-19 season but has only scored 54 in 244 games since. He has zero points in five games this season.

Andreas Athanasiou
Blomqvist will start on Monday vs. Dallas.

The Penguins will turn to Blomqvist between the pipes for a second consecutive game after an impressive victory in his previous outing. Blomqvist was stellar on Friday, saving 32 of 34 shots (.941 SV%) in a 4-2 win over the Washington Capitals. The 22-year-old Blomqvist has been the most consistent netminder for the Penguins this season, posting a 3.25 GAA and .913 SV% in seven games (3-4-0). The Penguins enter the action on Monday as +141 home underdogs against a Dallas Stars club that has lost three of their last four (1-3-0).

Joel Blomqvist
Pacioretty (lower-body) has been placed on IR and is week-to-week.

Pacioretty was limited to only 5:10 time-on-ice before exiting Saturday's 4-1 win over the Montreal Canadiens with a lower-body injury. The 35-year-old Pacioretty was providing needed depth offense for the Maple Leafs, with six points (2G / 4A) in 12 games before his injury, but returns to Injured Reserve, an unfortunately familiar place for the veteran winger.

Max Pacioretty
Blomqvist is in the starter's crease at Pittsburgh's morning skate.

The Penguins will likely turn to Blomqvist between the pipes for a second consecutive game after an impressive victory in his previous outing. Blomqvist was stellar on Friday, saving 32 of 34 shots (.941 SV%) in a 4-2 win over the Washington Capitals. The 22-year-old Blomqvist has been the most consistent netminder for the Penguins this season, posting a 3.25 GAA and .913 SV% in seven games (3-4-0). The Penguins enter the action on Monday as +141 home underdogs against a Dallas Stars club that has lost three of their last four (1-3-0).

Joel Blomqvist
Johnson will draw back into Philadelphia's lineup on Monday vs. San Jose.

Jamie Drysdale will serve as a healthy scratch on Monday, allowing Johnson re-enter the lineup for the first time since November 2nd. The 36-year-old Johnson is averaging 12:55 time-on-ice, the lowest of his 17-year career, and has one point (0G / 1A) in 10 games this season.

Erik Johnson
Ersson will start on Monday vs. San Jose.

The Flyers will turn to Ersson between the pipes for a second consecutive game on Monday. Ersson returned from a two-game absence due to a lower-body injury on Saturday and saved 28 of 31 shots (.903 SV%) in a 4-3 shootout loss to the Florida Panthers. The 25-year-old Ersson has a 2.69 GAA and .902 SV% in 10 games this season. The Flyers enter the action on Monday as -240 home favorites against a San Jose Sharks club that defeated the New Jersey Devils 1-0 last night.

Samuel Ersson
Matvei Michkov will return to Philadelphia's lineup after a two-game absence on Monday vs. San Jose.

Michkov, an early-season favorite for the Calder trophy, was a healthy scratch the previous two games but will draw back into the lineup on Monday against the San Jose Sharks. Michkov recorded an assist in his previous outing but was held off the scoresheet in four straight before that.

Matvei Michkov
Poehling (undisclosed) is expected to return on Monday vs. San Jose.

Poehling has missed the previous three games but will re-enter the lineup on Monday against the San Jose Sharks. The 25-year-old Poehling played all 12 games of the season before his injury, tallying five points (0G / 5A), while averaging 13:31 time-on-ice.

Ryan Poehling

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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