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NHL Hockey Player News

Tom Gilbert(D)|
Line Change
Line Change
The Oilers are hurting on the back end and have brought in at least two new bodies in their top six — Cam Barker and Andy Sutton — but Gilbert is their go-to guy as long as Ryan Whitney (sore ankle) isn’t quite ready to play.

With Whitney out, look for Gilbert to run the blue line offensively. Last season he scored six goals and 26 points with a minus-14 rating. If you can spare the minus, Gilbert could approach his previous 45-point totals.

Source:
Edmonton Journal 2011-10-04T23:10:48.000Z
Tom Gilbert
Aaron Volpatti(LW)|FA
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Line Change
Those who know Volpatti will tell you there’s something special about the guy who’s in the final year of a two-year, free-agent contract. The 15 NHL games Volpatti played last season only strengthened his resolve to become a mainstay and not an afterthought when all the preseason hype was about newcomers Steve Pinizzotto, Mike Duco and Mark Mancari plus departed veteran Victor Oreskovich vying to be Maxim Lapierre’s wingers.

Volpatti scored four goals over the last two years split between the Manitoba Moose and Vancouver Canucks. Don't expect anything more than PIM from the gritty forward.

Source:
The White Towel 2011-10-04T23:05:40.000Z
Aaron Volpatti
Chuck Kobasew(RW)|INA
Line Change
Line Change
A nine-year NHL veteran, Kobasew skated at left wing at practice today with Stastny and Jones, replacing rookie Gabriel Landeskog, who was dropped down to the third line.

The Avs should try Kobasew out in a scoring role as he scored 20 goals before in his career. While with the Minnesota Wild he only managed 18 goals through 105 games leading most to believe he lost that scoring touch. Expect Landeskog to move back onto the top line during the season.

Source:
The Denver Post 2018-07-18T17:53:15.445Z
Petr Sykora(RW)|INA
Signing
Signing
Veteran forward Petr Sykora has had to wait patiently for a contract from the Devils while general manager Lou Lamoriello found a way to open a spot on the roster.

Sykora earned a job following a very strong preseason. Last season, the former 18th overall pick split the year between the Czech league and the KHL. His fantasy hockey value should be determined by how long Travis Zajac stays out of the lineup.

Source:
NJ.com 2018-07-18T17:53:29.330Z
Mike Smith(G)|FA
Goalie Start
Goalie Start
PRESCOTT VALLEY - Mike Smith, who calls parts of his game "a work in progress," will be in goal when the Coyotes open the regular season Saturday night at San Jose.

Smith holds a career 2-2-0 record with a 3.56 GAA and .877 SV% against the Sharks. He allowed five goals on 39 shots in his only appearance in the HP Pavilion.

Source:
AZ Central 2011-10-04T21:39:03.000Z
Mike Smith
Brett Bulmer(RW)|
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Line Change
The 19-year-old Wild forward cleared another hurdle by being included on the team's roster for opening night.

Bulmer has impressed during training camp, earning a spot on the opening night's roster. Last season, the left wing scored 18 goals and 49 poiints in 57 games playing for the Kelowna Rockets. Look for him to play a third line role.

Source:
Star Tribune 2011-10-04T21:30:59.000Z
Brett Bulmer
Antti Niemi(G)|FA
Injury
Injury
“If he tells us he’s playing and he’s cleared (by the training staff), he’s playing,” McLellan. “If we don’t get that clearance from him and from the doctors, then he won’t.”

At this point consider Niemi close to fully healthy, ready to start the season as the Sharks' starting goalie. Last season, Niemi won 35 games while sporting a 2.38 GAA and .920 SV%. With Antero Niittymaki already out, the two options for the Sharks would be Thomas Greiss or Harri Sateri if Niemi suffers a setback.

Source:
Working the Corners 2011-10-04T21:23:53.000Z
Antti Niemi
Martin Havlat(RW)|
Injury
Injury
There he’ll be examined by the surgeon who repaired his shoulder last May and — if all goes according to plan — fly back from Ohio with clearance to play in Saturday night’s season opener.

Havlat should be fully healthy to start the season. The winger scored 22 goals and 62 points in 78 games with the Wild last season. He should be able to improve those numbers with a much improved supporting cast.

Source:
Working the Corners 2011-10-04T21:22:26.000Z
Martin Havlat
Dustin Penner(LW)|INA
Injury
Injury
After the game, Terry Murray said Dustin Penner is suffering from the dreaded “lower-body injury,” and Murray said Penner’s availability for Friday’s season opener is in question. The Kings are not scheduled to practice Wednesday, so the Kings will re-evaluate Penner on Thursday.

No further word on the extent of Penner's injury. 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 2018-07-18T17:53:17.697Z
Niklas Hjalmarsson(LD)|FA
Line Change
Line Change
#Blackhawks coach Joel Quenenville said defensive pairings to start will include Hjalmarsson playing with Seabrook and Keith with Leddy.

Hjalmarsson paired with Brent Seabrook most of last season. After signing a new contract, the Swedish defender scored a career high three goals but still finished with only 10 points. Don't expect much offensively from the 24-year-old.

Source:
Chris Kuc 2011-10-04T20:16:00.000Z
Niklas Hjalmarsson
Nick Leddy(D)|FA
Line Change
Line Change
#Blackhawks coach Joel Quenenville said defensive pairings to start will include Hjalmarsson playing with Seabrook and Keith with Leddy.

Leddy will start the season on the top defensive unit. Last season he scored four goals and seven points over 46 games with the Blackhawks. Look for him to improve his totals in his sophomore season.

Source:
Chris Kuc 2011-10-04T20:15:44.000Z
Nick Leddy
Brandon Pirri(C)|FA
Line Change
Line Change
I definitely think he’ll be up here at some point. The numbers just didn’t work in his favor right now but it’s a long season, and he’s a center which puts him on high alert at all times.

The former second round pick has put himself in good position to make the team as the third line center with yet another impressive game. Last season, the Toronto native scored 12 goals and 43 points over 70 games for the Rockland IceHogs of the AHL. He should be capable of handling a checking role for the Blackhawks and should see time in their sweater at some point this season.

Source:
Chicago Blackhawks Report 2011-10-04T20:12:15.000Z
Brandon Pirri
Brandon Saad(LW)|FA
Signing
Signing
CHICAGO -- The Chicago Blackhawks agreed to terms on a three-year contract with second-round pick Brandon Saad.

Saad figures to start the season on the top line and could very well stay there if he produces. Once projected to go in the top 10, the 43rd overall pick of this year's draft is one of the biggest surprises of the preseason. Last season, the 18-year-old scored 27 goals and 55 points in 59 games with the Saginaw Spirit of the OHL.

Source:
Chicago Blackhawks Report 2011-10-04T20:10:18.000Z
Brandon Saad
Mattias Ekholm(D)|EDM
Line Change
Line Change
The Nashville Predators have finalized their opening day roster and in spite of what Mattias Ekholm's agent reported earlier, it appears that he will start the season in the NHL.

Ekholm sticks in the NHL as a bottom-pairing defender. Last season he scored 10 goals and 33 points through 55 games with Brynas IF Gavle of the SEL. Look for him to get his feet wet at the NHL level.

Source:
Preds on the Glass 2011-10-04T20:02:48.000Z
Mattias Ekholm
Dominic Moore(C)|INA
Injury
Injury
Boucher, as of today, expects Moore to be ready for Friday opener vs Carolina, provided rest of this week goes well

Doesn't sound serious as Moore has no structural damage on his back. Last season he scored 18 goals and 32 points while provided solid, two-way play on the third line. Expect him to repeat those totals this season under coach Guy Boucher.

Source:
Erik Erlendsson 2011-10-04T19:40:57.000Z
Dominic Moore
Brett Connolly(RW)|FA
Line Change
Line Change
Connolly can play in nine games before the team must decide whether to send him back to juniors. If he sticks with the team and plays a 10th game, the clock starts on his three-year, $2.7 million contract.

With a few subtractions from last season's roster, Connolly seemed poised to grasp a roster spot with an excellent training camp. So far he has not disappointed and could earn a shot at one of the top two lines. Last season he scored career highs in goals (46) and points (73) but did not alleviate concerns about dominating the WHL.

Source:
Lightning Strikes 2011-10-04T19:39:03.000Z
Brett Connolly

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!