NHL Hockey Player News

Signing

Confirmed that Zach Trotman is signed and should play his first AHL game tonight. He's in Providence

Trotman will begin his career at the AHL level. The defenseman just wrapped up his third year at Lake Superior State University, scoring 11 goals and 21 points in 40 games.

Source:

Kirk Luedeke 2012-03-24T11:48:07.000Z

Ondrej Pavelec(Goalie)(G)|Free Agent FA

Goalie Start

Ondrej Pavelec is expected to start in goal for the Jets tonight.

Through two career appearances against the Preds, Pavelec has a 1-0-0 record with a 2.40 GAA and .900 SV%.

Source:

Illegal Curve 2012-03-24T12:47:12.000Z

Brendan Smith(Defenseman)(D)|Dallas Stars DAL

Line Change

If Lidstrom plays then Smith will sit out.

Smith could sit out tonight's game. The rookie has a goal and seven points through 14 games.

Source:

Ansar Khan 2012-03-24T11:37:37.000Z

Milan Jurcina(Defenseman)(D)|Inactive INA

Line Change

Pandolfo, Jurcina scratches.

Jurcina stays out of the lineup for tonight's game. He has two goals and nine points through 60 games with a minus-31 rating.

Source:

Arthur Staple 2018-07-18T17:53:27.817Z

Jay Pandolfo(Left Wing)(LW)|Inactive INA

Line Change

Pandolfo, Jurcina scratches.

Pandolfo stays out for tonight's game. He has a goal and an assist with a minus-13 rating in 54 games.

Source:

Arthur Staple 2018-07-18T17:53:20.409Z

Al Montoya(Goalie)(G)|Free Agent FA

Goalie Start

Al Montoya in net for #Isles tonight in Tampa.

In four career starts against the Bolts, Montoya has a 3-1-0 record with a 2.00 GAA and .937 SV%.

Source:

Arthur Staple 2012-03-24T11:34:53.000Z

Nicklas Backstrom(Center)(C)|Washington Capitals WAS

Injury

#Caps center Nicklas Backstrom has been cleared to practice with no restrictions. He'll be on the ice later today after video session.

Fantastic news for all parties invested in Backstrom. With a few more practices, Backstrom should be able to return this season.

Source:

Mike Vogel 2012-03-24T11:27:23.000Z

Ben Bishop(Goalie)(G)|Buffalo Sabres BUF

Goalie Start

Ben Bishop confirms he's starting tonight vs PIT.

Bishop faces the Penguins for the first time in his NHL career.

Source:

Ian Mendes 2012-03-24T11:25:48.000Z

Pekka Rinne(Goalie)(G)|Free Agent FA

Goalie Start

RT @puckscenedotcom: Per Anders, Pekka is going tonight. #preds #jets

In four career appearances against the Jets, Rinne has a 3-0-0 record with a 3.39 GAA and .887 SV%.

Source:

@puckscenedotcom 2012-03-24T11:24:29.000Z

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

Line Change

"ready to go" Paul Gaustad to reporters

Expect Gaustad to center the fourth line tonight. He has three assists in six games since coming to the Preds.

Source:

Joshua Cooper 2012-03-24T11:22:29.000Z

Mike Brown(Right Wing)(RW)|Free Agent FA

Injury

MacArthur back on the ice this morning along with Mike Brown.

Through 44 games, Brown scored two goals and four points with 60 PIM. Expect Jay Rosehill to stay in the lineup in his stead.

Source:

Jonas Siegel 2012-03-24T11:21:15.000Z

Clarke MacArthur(Left Wing)(LW)|Ottawa Senators OTT

Injury

MacArthur back on the ice this morning along with Mike Brown.

MacArthur is not expected to play tonight due to an undisclosed injury. The scoring winger has 19 goals and 39 points in 67 games.

Source:

Jonas Siegel 2012-03-24T11:20:40.000Z

Jonas Gustavsson(Goalie)(G)|

Goalie Start

Monster leaves ice 1st....possible starter ?#leafs

In three starts against the Rangers this season, Gustavsson has a 2-1-0 record with a 2.34 GAA and .924 SV%.

Source:

Paul Hendrick 2012-03-24T13:26:32.000Z

Mike Commodore(Defenseman)(D)|Inactive INA

Line Change

Commodore out

Commodore rotates out of the lineup for tonight's tilt. Since coming to Tampa Bay, he has no points in 10 games.

Source:

@TBLightning 2018-07-18T17:53:27.207Z

Bruno Gervais(Defenseman)(D)|Inactive INA

Line Change

Gervais in

Gervais gets back into the lineup tonight. He has five goals and 11 points in 45 games.

Source:

@TBLightning 2018-07-18T17:53:14.203Z

Nate Thompson(Center)(C)|Philadelphia Flyers PHI

Injury

Thompson and Hall will not play tonight according to Guy Boucher.

Expect Thompson to miss another contest. Through 63 games, the Alaska native has nine goals and 13 points.

Source:

@TBLightning 2012-03-24T11:15:36.000Z

Adam Hall(Right Wing)(RW)|Inactive INA

Injury

Thompson and Hall will not play tonight according to Guy Boucher.

Hall misses yet another game tonight. He scored two goals and seven points in 55 games this season.

Source:

@TBLightning 2018-07-18T17:53:10.072Z

Jakub Kindl(Defenseman)(D)|Free Agent FA

Line Change

#Redwings Kindl said he feels good and will definitely play tonight.

Expect Kindl to play on the third pairing tonight. Through 50 games, he has a goal and 12 points.

Source:

Dana Wakiji 2012-03-24T11:13:27.000Z

Nicklas Lidstrom(Defenseman)(D)|

Injury

#Redwings Lidstrom said he's a game-time decision tonight. Wanted to skate twice to see how ankle feels.

Lidstrom has circled Saturday as his possible return date and hasn't had any notable setbacks. In fact, today he looked very ready according to most reports. The future Hall-of-Fame defenseman is enjoying another stellar season with 10 goals and 31 points in 62 games.

Source:

Dana Wakiji 2018-07-18T17:53:28.093Z

Johan Franzen(Left Wing)(LW)|Free Agent FA

Injury

My eyes are bad but #Redwings Franzen is also on the ice, it appears. No idea when he'll be ready.

Franzen skating is certainly a good sign although he is not expected to play tonight. The Red Wings' scorer has 26 goals and 53 points in 71 games.

Source:

Dana Wakiji 2012-03-24T11:11:14.000Z

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.