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NHL Hockey Player News

Dennis Wideman(D)|FA
Injury
Injury
Dennis Wideman's “charley horse” in the preseason seemed like cause for concern. The Capitals defenseman did miss the final month of play last season with right leg hematoma and compartment syndrome. Wideman told reporters not to worry, because it was in the other leg. But he has been knocked around in camp and left Wednesday's practice early while teammates were doing sprints.

Wideman likely needed a maintenance day as the Caps have not re-called any defensemen. Last season, the right-handed shooter scored 10 goals and 40 point in what was deemed an off season. With Mike Green and John Carlson manning the right side of the ice, expect Wideman's role to decrease significantly.

Source:
Capitals Watch 2011-10-06T11:11:47.000Z
Dennis Wideman
Ilya Bryzgalov(G)|FA
Goalie Start
Goalie Start
Ilya Bryzgalov, the central figure in the Flyers’ revamped lineup, didn’t seemed fazed about making his first start for his new team

Bryzgalov has impressed over his six starts against the Bruins, posting a 4-1-0 record with a tidy 1.99 GAA and .930 SV%. He has never played at the TD Banknorth Garden.

Source:
Broad Street Bull 2011-10-06T10:43:43.000Z
Ilya Bryzgalov
Dustin Penner(LW)|INA
Injury
Injury
Dustin Penner is skating this afternoon, but on the “extras” line with Colin Fraser and Kevin Westgarth.

Penner skating is an encouraging sign but not lining up with his linemates indicates he will need some extra rest.. Last season the power forward scored 23 goals and 45 points in a down season. With a full, healthy year in Los Angeles, he could return to the 60-point range.

Source:
LA Kings Insider 2018-07-18T17:53:17.699Z
Jiri Hudler(LW)|FA
Line Change
Line Change
The Red Wings have several players who can perform better in 2011-12, none more so than a trio of top-six forwards -- Johan Franzen, Valtteri Filppula and Jiri Hudler -- who coach Mike Babcock said need to have "bounce-back years."

Hudler scored 10 goals and 37 points last season following a breakout, 57-point campaign in his last NHL season. To say the least he disappointed but showed signs of improving. He likely splits the difference and tops 40 points this season but won't have the ice time to hit the 60-point range.

Source:
Mlive.com 2011-10-06T10:03:08.000Z
Jiri Hudler
Valtteri Filppula(C)|FA
Line Change
Line Change
The Red Wings have several players who can perform better in 2011-12, none more so than a trio of top-six forwards -- Johan Franzen, Valtteri Filppula and Jiri Hudler -- who coach Mike Babcock said need to have "bounce-back years."

Filppula continues to tease fantasy hockey owners with a highly talented game that could easily elevate into a true scorer. However, his 35-40 point outputs have fallen well short of those predictions. He could approach 50 points if he remains Henrik Zetterberg's left wing.

Source:
Mlive.com 2011-10-06T09:56:38.000Z
Valtteri Filppula
Johan Franzen(LW)|FA
Line Change
Line Change
The Red Wings have several players who can perform better in 2011-12, none more so than a trio of top-six forwards -- Johan Franzen, Valtteri Filppula and Jiri Hudler -- who coach Mike Babcock said need to have "bounce-back years."

Franzen scored 28 goals and 55 points last season in what was deemed a down season for him. Expect him to climb above 30 goals this season as he enters the season in good health.

Source:
Mlive.com 2011-10-06T09:54:21.000Z
Johan Franzen
Jamie Langenbrunner(RW)|INA
Line Change
Line Change
But Langenbrunner showed up for training camp Sept. 16 and the right winger learned that he was on a line with David Backes at center. The duo showed enough in the preseason that they will open the season on a line with left winger Andy McDonald.

Langenbrunner will start the season on the team's top line, pushing Matt D'Agostini to the third. Last season, the Cloquet, Minnesota native scored nine goals and 32 points over 70 games. Over a full season he could return to the 50-point range.

Source:
St. Louis Post-Dispatch 2018-07-18T17:53:19.626Z
Matt Cooke(LW)|FA
Line Change
Line Change
The reality, though, is that he is a capable, useful winger. He's an effective forechecker, works diligently in his own end and is an integral member of what was the NHL's top penalty-killing unit last season.

Expect a slightly neutered Cooke this season following another controversial campaign full of cheap shots and checks from behind. Last season he scored 12 goals and 30 points through 67 games adding 129 PIM. He could be a useful player in deeper leagues although the PIM probably take a hit.

Source:
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2011-10-06T09:34:16.000Z
Matt Cooke
Brent Seabrook(RD)|FA
Line Change
Line Change
The Hawks never have valued Seabrook's variety of contributions more. They rewarded his steadiness last winter with a five-year, $29 million contract extension that squelched trade rumors and showed Seabrook the type of respect that matters most. He returns from his most productive offensive season (9 goals, 39 assists) aware of but unfazed by the pressure to earn every penny.

Fresh off his best offensive season, Seabrook will remain on the second defensive pairing in a shutdown role. Considering he played that same role most of last season, expecting 8 goals and 40 points are not out of the question.

Source:
Chicago Tribune 2011-10-06T09:28:15.000Z
Brent Seabrook
Patrick Sharp(LW)|
Line Change
Line Change
Patrick Sharp will be on the right side when they line up with Jonathan Toews Friday in Dallas.

Sharp will suit up for opening night, on the right side of Jonathan Toews. Last season he scored 34 goals and 71 points while centering the second line and manning the point on the PP. Expect similar results this season as he opens the season close to 100 percent.

Source:
ESPN Chicago 2011-10-06T09:21:18.000Z
Patrick Sharp
Dave Bolland(C)|
Injury
Injury
If Bolland can’t go expect Pirri to be recalled and play between Michael Frolik and Bryan Bickell on opening night. Quennville said Wednesday he likes Frolik and Bickell “along the wall,” meaning at wing.

Look for the team to recall Pirri should Bolland not be able to suit up for opening night. Last season he scored 15 goals and 37 points while centering the second and third line but missed 21 games due to various injuries. If he can't play the Blackhawks will have a hard time replacing his two-way play.

Source:
ESPN Chicago 2011-10-06T09:19:59.000Z
Dave Bolland
Ryan Whitney(D)|INA
Injury
Injury
Whitney was buzzing around the ice in practice, looking like he might play Sunday against his former team. He had only one misstep.

Sounds like Whitney could return as soon as this Sunday, which is a welcome sign for any fantasy hockey owner. Last season, the former fifth overall pick scored two goals and 27 points over 35 games, leading to an inflated ADP. He should produce around 40 points for the Oilers but should not be expected to rise to an elite level until fully healthy.

Source:
Edmonton Journal 2018-07-18T17:53:31.165Z
Peter Regin(C)|
Line Change
Line Change
It doesn’t appear as if Peter Regin will be ready for Friday’s season opener. Regin was more active during Wednesday’s practice in London, Ont., but was still wearing a blue ‘no contact’ sweater. “He didn’t take any contact, but I thought he was more of a participant, which is a good sign,” said MacLean. “We’ll get a better read on it and see where he is (Thursday).”…

Sounds like Regin is close to returning but might miss the first couple of games. Last season he only scored three goals and 17 points as he battled through inconsistency and injury. While the Sens have an insurance plan in Mika Zibanejad, they likely hope their Danish playmaker can return to the 15 goal, 30+ point range.

Source:
Senators Extra 2011-10-06T09:15:24.000Z
Peter Regin
Sergei Gonchar(D)|FA
Line Change
Line Change
Gonchar freely acknowledges he had a terrible 2010-11 season, along with the rest of the team. After signing a three-year, $15.5 million contract as a free agent, he never found his feet, finishing the year with seven goals and 20 assists. With the exception of 2008-09, when he played only 25 games due to injuries, it was his lowest offensive output since 1997-98 season with Washington.

With a new defensive partner and a new coach, Gonchar could return to respectability in Ottawa. His 11 goals over 62 games just two seasons ago indicate he has some offense left in the tank. Nevertheless, expect him to play a mentor role to Jared Cowen and David Rundblad.

Source:
Senators Extra 2011-10-06T09:14:16.000Z
Sergei Gonchar
Sergei Gonchar(D)|FA
Line Change
Line Change
Gonchar freely acknowledges he had a terrible 2010-11 season, along with the rest of the team. After signing a three-year, $15.5 million contract as a free agent, he never found his feet, finishing the year with seven goals and 20 assists. With the exception of 2008-09, when he played only 25 games due to injuries, it was his lowest offensive output since 1997-98 season with Washington.

With a new defensive partner and a new coach, Gonchar could return to respectability in Ottawa. His 11 goals over 62 games just two seasons ago indicate he has some offense left in the tank. Nevertheless, expect him to play a mentor role to Jared Cowen and David Rundblad.

Source:
Senators Extra 2011-10-06T09:14:15.000Z
Sergei Gonchar

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!