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NHL Hockey Player News

Stephen Weiss(C)|FA
Injury
Injury
Center Stephen Weiss stayed off the ice for the fourth straight day as he battles what is believed to be a minor groin injury. Weiss isn't expected to practice Saturday but said he'll definitely be back Monday in preparation for the season opener.

Weiss is a tough customer who labored through last season despite being day-to-day almost everyday. The team's top-line center posted back-to-back 60-point seasons before falling to 49 last year. He should be able to reach the 60-point plateau once again with a better supporting cast.

Source:
On Frozen Pond 2011-09-30T14:38:06.000Z
Stephen Weiss
Steve Staios(D)|INA
Signing
Signing
It's official: The New York Islanders have signed Steve Staios to a one-year contract, which ESPN's Katie Strang reports is for $800,000 and TSN's Darren Dreger reports includes potential bonuses that could push it to $1.2 million -- even $1.6 million "if" the Islanders win the Stanley Cup.

Staios should help solidify the team's defense but has never scored more than eight goals and 28 points in a season. Pass in every possible format.

Source:
Lighthouse Hockey 2018-07-18T17:53:32.851Z
Brett Carson(D)|INA
Injury
Injury
#Flames RW Rene Bourque (undisclosed) and D Brett Carson (back) skating with Coach Lowry right now.

The Flames acquired Carson last season mainly due to his previous ties to the city as a Calgary Hitmen defender. He should challenge for a bottom-pairing role when healthy but don't expect much from a player with two goals and 12 points through 78 career NHL games.

Source:
Scott Cruickshank 2018-07-18T17:53:13.410Z
Rene Bourque(LW)|FA
Injury
Injury
#Flames RW Rene Bourque (undisclosed) and D Brett Carson (back) skating with Coach Lowry right now.

With an undisclosed injury it remains difficult to assess how long Bourque will miss. Last season, the streaky winger matched his career high with 27 goals through 80 games. He should be able to at least score 25 should he play around 70 games.

Source:
Scott Cruickshank 2011-09-30T14:27:16.000Z
Rene Bourque
Jarome Iginla(RW)|FA
Injury
Injury
Jay Feaster just told #sportsnet hc@noon that jarome iginla will play in the season opener. #goodnewsforflames

Without Iginla the Flames would be even more of an underdog entering the season. Last year he scored 43 goals and 86 points which led the team and finished sixth in overall scoring. Look for at least 30 goals and 70 points over a full season.

Source:
Daren Millard 2011-09-30T14:18:40.000Z
Jarome Iginla
Joonas Nattinen(C)|INA
Call up / Send down
Call up / Send down
MONTRÉAL – The Montreal Canadiens announced Friday that forwards Michael Bournival (Shawinigan – QMJHL) and Brendan Gallagher (Vancouver – WHL) have been returned to their respective junior team. The Club also announced that forward Joonas Nattinen has been assigned to the AHL Hamilton Bulldogs.

No immediate fantasy hockey value in the AHL.

Source:
MontrealCanadiens.com 2018-07-18T17:53:22.458Z
Dave Bolland(C)|
Injury
Injury
Quenneville added that Bolland's injury is not serious and he is considered day-to-day.

No word on how long Bolland will miss but the team could use him with Patrick Sharp, Ben Smith and Viktor Stalberg all nursing injuries.. 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:
Chicago Tribune 2011-09-30T14:05:43.000Z
Dave Bolland
Ben Smith(RW)|
Injury
Injury
Joel Quenneville said Smith, who was injured during Wednesday's game against the Red Wings when Detroit Brendan Smith's delivered an illegal blow ot the head, "was about the same" as Thursday when the coach described him as "okay."

Smith's injury somewhat frees up the logjam at forward. The winger scored a goal in six regular season games before becoming a postseason hero for the Blackhawks. Keep an eye on this situation and don't roster Smith until he proves himself healthy.

Source:
Chicago Tribune 2011-09-30T14:04:12.000Z
Ben Smith
Patrick Sharp(LW)|
Injury
Injury
Sharp, who underwent an emergency appendectomy Sept. 12, has been skating by himself this week but took a big step in his recovery when he joined practice at the United Center.

Sharp returning the lineup is a welcome addition with the injuries to Ben Smith and Viktor Stalberg. Last season he scored 34 goals and 71 points while centering the second line and manning the point on the PP. Expect similar results and for the versatile forward to only possibly miss the first week of the season.

Source:
Chicago Tribune 2011-09-30T14:00:54.000Z
Patrick Sharp
Matt Taormina(D)|FA
Injury
Injury
DeBoer said defenseman Matt Taormina didn’t skate at all today, but didn’t get more specific on his injury, which he sustained in Wednesday’s controlled scrimmage.

No further news on the extent of his injury but it certainly does not help his chances of making the team. Taormina scored three goals to go along with five points in 17 games before missing the rest of the season to the aforementioned ankle injury. Regardless, the offensive-minded defenseman fit into the team's system and should be a player to watch for in the future.

Source:
Fire & Ice 2011-09-30T13:58:16.000Z
Matt Taormina
Dainius Zubrus(RW)|
Injury
Injury
Forward Dainius Zubrus, who is nursing a lower-body injury, practiced for the second day in a row and might play Saturday as well. It would be his first game of the preseason.

At this point his return is imminent. The versatile forward scored 13 goals and 30 points last season while missing only three games. The team continues to play it safe with him in order to avoid another injury up-front.

Source:
Fire & Ice 2011-09-30T13:57:36.000Z
Dainius Zubrus
Bryce Salvador(D)|FA
Injury
Injury
“He’s just resting.” DeBoer said. “He’s coming off some soreness there and it’s just precautionary. The plan is that he’ll play tomorrow night. We don’t want to push things like that this early.”

After missing a full NHL season the Devils are in no rush to get him in every game. In 2009-2010, the Brandon, Manitoba native scored four goals and 14 points for the Devils. He likely helps Martin Brodeur and company a whole lot more than he will your fantasy hockey team.

Source:
Fire & Ice 2011-09-30T13:56:56.000Z
Bryce Salvador
Anton Volchenkov(D)|FA
Injury
Injury
Devils coach Pete DeBoer said defensemen Bryce Salvador and Anton Volchenkov are both scheduled to play in Saturday’s preseason finale against Philadelphia along with what will be close to the team’s opening night lineup.

Volchenkov continues to be protected from the rigors of the preseason after only playing 57 games last season but he will start the season presumably healthy. A-Train is an incredibly injury prone player due to the amount of shots he blocks -- unless your league uses that stat, keep him off your team.

Source:
Fire & Ice 2011-09-30T13:55:42.000Z
Anton Volchenkov
Adam Larsson(D)|SEA
Line Change
Line Change
Bet the house on it. Rookie defenseman Adam Larsson has made the Devils' opening night roster.

Larsson is officially on the team, invest now while you still can. Last season he only scored one goal and nine points over 37 games with Skelleftea HC of the SEL. Regardless, while manning the point on PP1, the former fourth overall pick will produce at least 20 points in his rookie season.

Source:
NJ.com 2011-09-30T13:51:40.000Z
Adam Larsson
Mike Brown(RW)|FA
Injury
Injury
In addition, Mike Brown — his groin apparently healed — will play his first game of the exhibition season. He skated with Colton Orr and Mike Zigomanis, called up from the Marlies due to the sudden shortage of centres

Brown returns to the lineup, pushing pugilist Jay Rosehill to the bench. Last season he scored three goals and eight points while adding 69 PIM. He probably won't help your fantasy hockey team.

Source:
The Star 2011-09-30T13:38:53.000Z
Mike Brown

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!