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Villalta has been assigned to Tucson (AHL).
NHL Hockey Player News
Yamamoto has been assigned to Tucson (AHL).
Goalie Start
Saros will start Wednesday vs. the Stars.
The Predators will conclude a disappointing 2024-25 season on Wednesday against the Dallas Stars, likely turning to Saros between the pipes. Saros struggled in his most recent outing, allowing six goals on 35 shots (.829 SV%) in a 7-3 loss to the Utah Hockey Club. The 29-year-old goalie has career-worst numbers in most major statistical categories, posting a 3.02 GAA and .894 SV% in 57 games (19-31-6). The Predators enter Wednesday's contest as +138 home underdogs against a Dallas Stars team amid a season-worst six-game losing skid (0-4-2).
Goalie Start
Hellebuyck was the first goalie off the ice at the Jets' morning skate.
The Jets have already clinched the Presidents' Trophy and will likely turn to Hellebuyck between the pipes for their final game this season. Hellebuyck struggled in his most recent outing, saving 28 of 32 shots (.875 SV%) in a 5-4 shootout win over the Chicago Blackhawks, but remains the odds-on favorite for the Vezina Trophy. The 31-year-old Hellebuyck has an outstanding 2.02 GAA and .924 SV% in 62 games this season (46-12-3). The Jets enter Wednesday's season finale as sizeable -272 home favorites against an Anaheim Ducks team that lost 3-2 to the Minnesota Wild in overtime last night.
Goalie Start
Saros is in the starter's crease at the Predators' morning skate.
The Predators will conclude a disappointing 2024-25 season on Wednesday against the Dallas Stars, likely turning to Saros between the pipes. Saros struggled in his most recent outing, allowing six goals on 35 shots (.829 SV%) in a 7-3 loss to the Utah Hockey Club. The 29-year-old goalie has career-worst numbers in most major statistical categories, posting a 3.02 GAA and .894 SV% in 57 games (19-31-6). The Predators enter Wednesday's contest as +138 home underdogs against a Dallas Stars team amid a season-worst six-game losing skid (0-4-2).
Letang underwent successful surgery to close a patent foramen ovale (PFO, a small hole in the heart).
The Penguins announced on Wednesday that Letang had successful closure of a patent foramen ovale (PFO; small hole in the heart). The expected recovery time is four to six weeks, so Letang will be ready for training camp in the fall.
Line Change
Kapanen will be scratched on Wednesday vs. the Hurricanes.
With Emil Heineman returning from an upper-body injury, Kapanen will be a healthy scratch vs. Carolina. Kapanen appeared in six straight games, failing to record a point with just three SOG and a minus-1 rating.
Chaffee (upper-body) left Tuesday's game and did not return.
Chaffee exited Tuesday's 5-1 win over the Florida Panthers after 8:56 time-on-ice due to an upper-body injury. The 27-year-old Chaffee has played a career-high 66 games and scored a career-high 18 points (12G / 6A) this season.
The Senators have loaned Angus Crookshank to Belleville (AHL).
Ottawa has secured the top Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference, awaiting a first-round matchup against the Toronto Maple Leafs. As such, they have assigned Crookshank to the Belleville Senators (AHL) to help them with their late-season playoff race. Crookshank has 40 points (22G / 18A) in 60 games with Belleville this season.
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The Panthers have assigned Rasmus Asplund to Charlotte (AHL).
The Florida Panthers have completed the 2024-25 season and, no longer in need of reserves, have assigned Jesse Puljujarvi, Rasmus Asplund, and Matt Kiersted to the Charlotte Checkers (AHL). Asplund has 42 points (19G / 23A) in 62 games with Charlotte this season.
The Panthers have assigned Matt Kiersted to Charlotte (AHL).
The Florida Panthers have completed the 2024-25 season and, no longer in need of reserves, have assigned Jesse Puljujarvi, Rasmus Asplund, and Matt Kiersted to the Charlotte Checkers (AHL). Kiersted has 27 points (1G / 27A) in 63 games with Charlotte this season.
The Panthers have assigned Jesse Puljujarvi to Charlotte (AHL).
The Florida Panthers have completed the 2024-25 season and, no longer in need of reserves, have assigned Jesse Puljujarvi, Rasmus Asplund, and Matt Kiersted to the Charlotte Checkers (AHL). Puljujarvi has 12 points (5G / 7A) in 20 games with Charlotte.
Goalie Start
Montembeault will start Wednesday vs. the Hurricanes.
Montreal can become the final team to clinch a playoff berth this season with a victory on Wednesday night against the Carolina Hurricanes. Montembeault will be tending the twine, looking to build on his 2.83 GAA and .901 SV% through 61 games this season (30-24-7). The 28-year-old Montembeault has done his part to help the Canadiens late in the season, posting a solid 2.14 GAA and .921 SV% through six games in April (4-1-1). The Canadiens enter Wednesday's contest as -118 home favorites against a Hurricanes team that has lost five of their last six games (1-4-1).
Heineman (upper-body) will be back in the Canadiens lineup on Wednesday.
Heineman has missed the last five games with an upper-body injury but will play Wednesday vs. the Hurricanes. Heineman will be a welcome addition to the Canadiens' bottom-six in a pivotal game for their playoff hopes. Heineman has 10 goals and eight assists (18 points) in 61 games this season.
The Lightning have recalled Cam Atkinson from Syracuse (AHL).
Atkinson has spent the majority of the season with the Lightning, serving as a rotation player at the bottom of their roster. He did not appear in a game during his time with Syracuse, but has nine points (4G / 5A) in 38 games with the Lightning this year.
The Jets have signed Alex Iafallo to a 3-year contract extension worth $11.0M ($3.67M AAV).
Iafallo has become a utility option for the Jets, playing anywhere from the first to fourth line. In 2024-25, he's scored 15 goals with 16 assists (31 points) in 81 games, surpassing his 27 points from his first season with the Jets.
Nurse has been suspended for one game for cross-checking against Los Angeles’ Quinton Byfield.
Burroughs will draw into the Kings lineup on Tuesday.
The Kings are already locked into the second spot in the Pacific division, so Burroughs will slot in along with Caleb Jones, Trevor Lewis, and Akil Thomas for Tuesday's game in Seattle. Mikey Anderson, Drew Doughty, Anze Kopitar, and Quinton Byfield will all get the night off.
Line Change
Lewis will draw into the Kings lineup on Tuesday.
The Kings are already locked into the second spot in the Pacific division, so Lewis will slot in along with Caleb Jones, Akil Thomas, and Kyle Burroughs for Tuesday's game in Seattle. Mikey Anderson, Drew Doughty, Anze Kopitar, and Quinton Byfield will all get the night off.
Line Change
Jones will draw into the Kings lineup on Tuesday.
The Kings are already locked into the second spot in the Pacific division, so Jones will slot in along with Akil Thomas, Trevor Lewis, and Kyle Burroughs for Tuesday's game in Seattle. Mikey Anderson, Drew Doughty, Anze Kopitar, and Quinton Byfield will all get the night off.
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.