Daily Faceoff is a news site with no direct affiliation to the NHL, or NHLPA

NHL Hockey Player News

Matt Frattin(RW)|
Line Change
Line Change
Formerly an offensive star at the University of North Dakota, the 23-year-old believes he's got the skill-set to play alongside Tyler Bozak and Colby Armstrong on the Leafs third line this fall.

Frattin feels he can play a tough game while adding some supplementary scoring from the third line. As a senior at the University of North Dakota, Frattin potted 36 goals and finished the season with 60 points in 44 games. He could very well succeed at the NHL level, especially in a less pressure-filled role.

Source:
Leafs Report 2011-09-30T13:37:38.000Z
Matt Frattin
Philippe Dupuis(C)|INA
Line Change
Line Change
Dupuis, a free-agent signing from the Colorado Avalanche, skated Friday morning with Phil Kessel and Joffrey Lupul prior to the team taking off for the evening game.

Dupuis gets his first crack at a scoring line after manning the fourth line for the Avs last season and the Leafs this preseason. He managed to score 108 points in his final season in the QMJHL indicating he has some offensive upside. Regardless, he probably starts the season on a lower line.

Source:
The Star 2018-07-18T17:53:29.444Z
Marc Staal(LD)|FA
Injury
Injury
“Pretty crappy,” Staal said when asked how he felt, but he said that was because he hadn’t skated since Sunday. Staal said because he has not been able to go through any contact drills (his red jersey today indicated non-contact) he is not in game shape, though he said his conditioning is good. Specifically asked if he would be able to get into game shape between now and the regular-season opener on Oct. 7, Staal said plainly, “I don’t know.” He said how he fares if he’s able to skate tomorrow would be a good indicator.

Not an encouraging sign that Staal will start the season. The team's top defender scored seven goals and 29 points last season. Expect him to miss part of the season, which should severely decrease his draft price.

Source:
Ranger Rants 2011-09-30T13:18:33.000Z
Marc Staal
Scott Glennie(RW)|INA
Injury
Injury
Glennie was hit hard in a training camp scrimmage up in PEI and left the ice. It was defined as he ``tweaked'' something at the time, and then we didn't hear much about it. We haven't seen him working out much and he has not been on the ice at all. There's reason for that.

Certainly not an encouraging sign for a developing power forward. Last season, Glennie scored 35 goals and 91 points for the Brandon Wheat Kings of the WHL, proving he was ready for the next step. Keep an eye on this situation as it may directly effect his NHL future.

Source:
Dallas Morning News 2018-07-18T17:53:31.609Z
Brendan Smith(D)|FA
Suspension
Suspension
DETROIT -- Detroit Red Wings defenseman Brendan Smith has been suspended for the remainder of the preseason and five regular season games by the NHL for his shoulder check to the head of Chicago Blackhawks forward Ben Smith in Wednesday's preseason game at the United Center.

Smith was not expected to make the team unless the Brad Stuart injury prevented him from staying in the lineup. The former 27th overall pick scored 12 goals and 32 points over 63 games for the Grand Rapids Griffins of the AHL. He probably is close to NHL ready as he remains the team's top prospect.

Source:
Mlive.com 2011-09-30T12:59:15.000Z
Brendan Smith
Jochen Hecht(C)|INA
Injury
Injury
"I’m making progress," said Hecht, who also was sidelined by a concussion last season. "I’ve been skating on my own for a couple days, and today I did the pregame skate with the team, so it’s a step in the right direction.

The Sabres aren't planning on rushing Hecht back just to play in an exhibition game. Hecht only scored 12 goals and 29 points over his 67 games last season but has eclipsed 40 points seven times in his career. Keep him off your radar as this injury sounds long term.

Source:
Sabres Edge 2018-07-18T17:53:21.272Z
Andrei Markov(D)|FA
Injury
Injury
If defenceman Andrei Markov meets team doctors today to get a progress report on the health of his rebuilt right knee, don’t hold your breath awaiting an update from the team. We’re bound to hear Markov is progressing on schedule and will be introduced to the lineup when he’s ready.

Markov has no timetable although it sounds like he won't miss the entire season. Every season it seems like his previous season's injuries make him a value pick but Markov has not played a full season in almost three years now. Draft knowing he will likely miss substantial amounts of playing time.

Source:
Hockey Inside / Out 2011-09-30T12:12:52.000Z
Andrei Markov
Travis Moen(LW)|FA
Injury
Injury
Injured Travis Moen was the only sick-bay skater seen on early-morning ice, working out alone on the rink for maybe 20 minutes.

When healthy, Moen will be expected to help the team's bottom two lines. He managed six goals and 16 points through 79 games for the Habs, adding 96 PIM. Don't expect much more from him in fantasy hockey terms.

Source:
Hockey Inside / Out 2011-09-30T12:10:29.000Z
Travis Moen
Lars Eller(C)|FLA
Injury
Injury
Eller still on the shelf: Centre Lars Eller, who is recovering from off-season shoulder surgery, expressed optimism this week that he would be cleared for contact Friday, but coach Jacques Martin said it isn’t going to happen. While there’s still an outside chance Eller will be ready for the season opener Thursday in Toronto, he would do so without the benefit of any preseason games.

Eller scored seven goals and 17 points in his rookie season for the Habs. In his second season with the organization he is expected to move up to a full-time role on the third line. Expect him to make the jump, if healthy, to the 30 point range.

Source:
Faceoff.com 2011-09-30T12:04:04.000Z
Lars Eller
Barret Jackman(D)|FA
Line Change
Line Change
Of being a mentor, Jackman said: "You definitely feel like you're part of their development. You take pride in how well they play and things you could pass along, stuff I learned from Al (MacInnis) and 'Prongs.' I'm grateful to carry on the tradition."

No longer a young-stud defenseman, Jackman will turn to a mentorship role as the longest tenured member of the Blues. Last season the savvy veteran posted 13 assists in 60 games as he battled through injuries. His guidance on the ice will help Carlo Colaiacovo, Kevin Shattenkirk and Alex Pietrangelo but not your fantasy hockey team.

Source:
St. Louis Post-Dispatch 2011-09-30T11:24:59.000Z
Barret Jackman
Lance Bouma(LW)|
Call up / Send down
Call up / Send down
Calgary, AB – The Calgary Flames announced today that they have assigned forwards Lance Bouma and Paul Byron to the Abbotsford Heat (AHL). The Flames now have 28 players remaining at training camp: two goalies, nine defensemen and 17 forwards.

No immediate fantasy hockey value in the AHL.

Source:
CalgaryFlames.com 2011-09-30T11:21:32.000Z
Lance Bouma
Ben Eager(LW)|INA
Injury
Injury
Ben Eager, who suffered a concussion/whiplash from a hit in the Joey Moss Cup, rode the bike Wednesday, skated on Thursday, and will be ready to practice soon if he doesn’t have any setbacks.

Eager very well could push himself into a setback if he is not careful. If healthy, Eager should have another Eager-like season, agitating and fighting by trade. The 27-year-old produced 120 PIM or more over the last three seasons while adding a few points.

Source:
Edmonton Journal 2018-07-18T17:53:12.266Z
Jim Slater(C)|FA
Line Change
Line Change
The fact he’s still with the organization despite all of that turnover says something about his skills, or perhaps more so his character. He’s never had a contract longer than two years, but he’s entering his seventh season with the franchise. He was on his way to a career-best point total last season, but a concussion ended his season after just 36 games.

Slater fits the role of a perfect fourth line center. The former 30th overall pick never posted more than 20 points in a season which indicates his lack of fantasy hockey value.

Source:
Winnipeg Sun 2011-09-30T11:07:36.000Z
Jim Slater
Fabian Brunnstrom(LW)|INA
Line Change
Line Change
DETROIT -- If the Detroit Red Wings elect to sign Fabian Brunnstrom -- a strong possibility, considering how well he has played in the preseason -- the parameters of a deal already are in place.

If Brunnstrom could succeed anywhere in the NHL, it would be with Detroit. The 26-year-old holds 19 goals and 40 points through 99 career NHL games, which would indicate he has potential similar to a Red Wings forward like Jiri Hudler. If he signs, which the reports indicate he will, keep the Swedish import in the very back of your mind.

Source:
Mlive.com 2018-07-18T17:53:18.391Z
Jaromir Jagr(RW)|
Line Change
Line Change
The chemistry between newcomer Jaromir Jagr and Claude Giroux has been something to behold over the past several games, and the team’s improved power play unit. In Thursday night’s 2-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils at Wells Fargo Center, both were on full display. The dynamic duo of Giroux and Jagr combined on the game-winner with just over seven minutes left in regulation, and the power play accounted for each of the two Flyer tallies.

Jagr appears to have clicked with Claude Giroux, expelling most thoughts that he was tough to play with. A translation of last season's KHL stats would put the superstar in the 70 point range over a full season. At this point that looks like a steal in the 11th round.

Source:
NHLhotstove.com 2011-09-30T11:02:44.000Z
Jaromir Jagr

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!