NHL Hockey Player News

Joel Rechlicz(Right Wing)(RW)|Inactive INA

Call up / Send down

ARLINGTON, Va. – The Washington Capitals have assigned forward Joel Rechlicz to the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League (AHL), vice president and general manager George McPhee announced today.

He registered two hits in two games.

Source:

WashingtonCapitals.com 2018-07-18T17:53:21.542Z

Keith Ballard(Defenseman)(D)|Free Agent FA

Line Change

If he can't go Keith Ballard will play on 4th w/Weise and Malhotra.

Ballard practiced at left wing yesterday and could play forward tonight. He has a goal and seven points through 45 games.

Source:

Dan Murphy 2012-02-04T13:20:55.000Z

Byron Bitz(Right Wing)(RW)|Inactive INA

Line Change

Bitz-Hodgson-Hansen

Bitz makes his Canucks debut on the third line tonight.

Source:

Dan Murphy 2018-07-18T17:53:14.308Z

David Booth(Left Wing)(LW)|

Injury

#canucks David Booth has a sore neck and will be a game time decision

Booth is questionable for tonight's game. He has eight goals and 17 points through 25 games with the Canucks.

Source:

Dan Murphy 2012-02-04T13:19:07.000Z

Niklas Backstrom(Goalie)(G)|

Goalie Start

With his shutout on Thursday, Backstrom earns another start tonight. He’s 4-6-4 with a 2.75 goals against average in his career against Dallas.

In 14 career appearances against the Stars, Backstrom has a 4-6-4 record with a 2.75 GAA and .898 SV%.

Source:

MinnesotaWild.com 2012-02-04T13:16:52.000Z

Jason Arnott(Center)(C)|Inactive INA

Injury

Jason Arnott is a gametime decision. Hitch said he feels better today. If he can't go, Porter slides in

Arnott is certainly questionable for tonight's game. Through his first 49 games with the Blues, the big center has 12 goals and 24 points.

Source:

Lou Korac 2018-07-18T17:53:20.050Z

Jaroslav Halak(Goalie)(G)|Free Agent FA

Goalie Start

Halak in goal tonight vs Rinne. #stlblues

In 11 career starts against the Preds, Halak has a 6-2-3 record with a 1.67 GAA, .933 SV% and three shutouts.

Source:

Lou Korac 2012-02-04T13:13:00.000Z

Steve Eminger(Defenseman)(D)|Inactive INA

Injury

Torts says he is still "not sure" if Steve Eminger returns to #NYR lineup tomorrow vs. Flyers..did praise his work & battles in practice tho

Eminger probably knocks Stu Bickel out of the lineup when he returns. He has two goals and four points through 30 games.

Source:

Jim Cerny 2018-07-18T17:53:32.600Z

Luke Adam(Center)(C)|

Line Change

Adam on #2 PP in front of the net.

Four of Adam's 24 career points came on the PP. Expect him to add some life to a lifeless man advantage.

Source:

Paul Hamilton 2012-02-04T13:07:44.000Z

Antti Niemi(Goalie)(G)|Free Agent FA

Goalie Start

Niemi tonight's confirmed starter.

In eight career starts against the Coyotes, Niemi has a 5-1-1 record with a 2.12 GAA, .933 SV% and one shutout.

Source:

Kevin Kurz 2012-02-04T13:05:18.000Z

Stefan Elliott(Defenseman)(D)|

Call up / Send down

Stefan Elliott reassigned.

Elliott returns to the minors, where he will get more playing time. The rookie has four goals and 11 points in 30 games.

Source:

Mike Chambers 2012-02-04T13:03:47.000Z

Tyson Barrie(Defenseman)(D)|Free Agent FA

Call up / Send down

Defenseman Tyson Barrie called up from LEM, Stefan Elliott reassigned. Barrie not available 2day.

Like Elliott, Barrie is a top prospect in the Avs system. Expect him to get some playing time on the power play.

Source:

Mike Chambers 2012-02-04T13:02:54.000Z

Devan Dubnyk(Goalie)(G)|Free Agent FA

Goalie Start

Devan Dubnyk to make his 5th straight start tonight as the #Oilers host the #RedWings at 8pm on Hockey Night In Canada

In two career starts against the Red Wings, Dubnyk has a 1-0-1 record with a 1.86 GAA and .948 SV%.

Source:

@NHL_Oilers 2012-02-04T13:01:03.000Z

Mike Lundin(Defenseman)(D)|Inactive INA

Line Change

Mike Lundin remains chained

Lundin remains a healthy scratch. He has two assists in his 15 games played.

Source:

Michael Russo 2018-07-18T17:53:27.546Z

Clayton Stoner(Right Defenseman)(LD)|

Injury

No Clayton Stoner on the ice #mnwild;

Stoner is not expected to play tonight. He has three assists through 39 games.

Source:

Michael Russo 2012-02-04T12:58:23.000Z

Marek Zidlicky(Defenseman)(D)|Free Agent FA

Line Change

Zidlicky skating with Zanon this morning -- looks like he might be back in tonight. #mnwild

Look for Zidlicky to draw back in tonight. The veteran has 11 assists through 34 games.

Source:

Ben Goessling 2012-02-04T12:57:38.000Z

Thomas Vanek(Right Wing)(RW)|Free Agent FA

Injury

Ruff says #Sabres will dress all forwards but expect Kassian and Gragnani to remain scratches with Vanek

As expected, Vanek is not playing tonight. He has 19 goals and 41 points in 50 games.

Source:

Mike Harrington 2012-02-04T12:47:47.000Z

Drew Stafford(Right Wing)(RW)|

Line Change

Ruff says #Sabres will dress all forwards but expect Kassian and Gragnani to remain scratches with Vanek

With Kassian out, Drew Stafford gets back into the lineup. He has eight goals and 23 points through 49 games.

Source:

Mike Harrington 2012-02-04T12:47:09.000Z

Marc-Andre Gragnani(Defenseman)(D)|

Line Change

Ruff says #Sabres will dress all forwards but expect Kassian and Gragnani to remain scratches with Vanek

Gragnani remains in the doghouse. The talented offensive defender has only a goal and 12 points in 43 games. Expect him to remain out until another injury occurs.

Source:

Mike Harrington 2012-02-04T12:44:37.000Z

Zack Kassian(Right Wing)(RW)|Arizona Coyotes ARI

Line Change

Ruff says #Sabres will dress all forwards but expect Kassian and Gragnani to remain scratches with Vanek

Kassian is an extra forward for tonight's game. He has three goals and six points through 19 games.

Source:

Mike Harrington 2012-02-04T12:43:14.000Z

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 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.