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NHL Hockey Player News

Jochen Hecht(C)|INA
Injury
Injury
The first big bit of news out of practice today is the continued absence of center Jochen Hecht. A cut lip does not force an absence of roughly a week of drills, and that clearly points to a recurrence of concussion symptoms Hecht experienced at the end of last season.

Sounds like Hecht could be out for a bit longer. 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 2018-07-18T17:53:21.271Z
Craig Anderson(G)|FA
Injury
Injury
Craig Anderson had a "maintenance issue" and will likely play in Thursday's pre-season finale at Boston.

Doesn't sound like anything serious. Anderson posted an impressive 11-5-0 record through 18 starts for the Sens last season, sporting a tidy 2.05 GAA and .939 SV%. He could surprise some this season with another solid season, if healthy.

Source:
Ian Mendes 2011-09-27T12:00:39.000Z
Craig Anderson
Brendan Gallagher(RW)|VAN
Line Change
Line Change
The Vancouver Giants' Brendan Gallagher is still at the Montreal Canadiens training camp at this writing, even as his peers who have actually signed contracts and were also taken much earlier than 147th overall in the 2010 entry draft have trekked back to their junior clubs.

Gallagher could make the team out of camp as he continues his extended look. The diminutive right wing scored 44 goals and 91 points last season with the Vancouver Giants. If he stays with the big club it would likely be on the third or fourth line, which makes you think he would be better served in the WHL.

Source:
Buzzing the Net 2011-09-27T11:07:06.000Z
Brendan Gallagher
Bryce Salvador(D)|FA
Injury
Injury
Salvador played in Friday’s preseason game against the Rangers at Prudential Center. Salvador joined those warming up for the first practice session. Salvador remained on the ice for the practice.

The fact that Salvador is taking part in practice indicates he is nearing 100 percent. 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 2011-09-27T11:04:57.000Z
Bryce Salvador
Dainius Zubrus(RW)|
Injury
Injury
Zubrus has not practiced since last Wednesday. Zubrus appeared to be testing his left leg as he did more skating drills. Zubrus returned to the locker room and is not practicing with this group.

With Travis Zajac already out the Devils will continue using caution with their veteran forward. The former 15th overall pick scored 13 goals and 30 points last year for the lowly Devils. Right now Petr Sykora has taken his spot on the top two lines which would indicate his place is safe upon returning.

Source:
Fire & Ice 2011-09-27T11:03:46.000Z
Dainius Zubrus
Patrick Kane(RW)|CHI
Injury
Injury
“I went to the doctor (Monday) and just another good day, kind of checked up and skated for the first time without the splint today, so things are moving pretty good right now,” said Kane, who still is working his way back from July left wrist surgery. “Don’t know if we’ll rush for Wednesday or not, but we’ll see.”

Interesting to see if the team "rushes" Kane back from his injury or continues to play it safe. Even more interesting is where he will play. Yesterday he practiced between wingers Andrew Brunette and Marian Hossa -- a troika of interest to say the least.

Source:
The Daily Herald 2011-09-27T08:36:03.000Z
Patrick Kane
Dennis Wideman(D)|FA
Injury
Injury
Last March, it was a seemingly innocent collision with the Hurricanes' Tuomo Ruutu that ended Dennis Wideman's season. It didn't look terribly bad at the time, but Wideman left with a leg injury that turned into hematoma and compartment syndrome.

Wideman is clearly bruised from the incident but should be OK. 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 2011-09-27T08:30:46.000Z
Dennis Wideman
James Neal(RW)|FA
Line Change
Line Change
Regardless of whether Neal ends up playing alongside Crosby and Kunitz, Evgeni Malkin and Steve Sullivan or, for that matter, Marc-Andre Fleury and a fire hydrant, the Penguins will be counting on him to generate a minimum of 20 goals, and they'd prefer something a lot closer to 30.

With those linemates, How can Neal not pot 30 goals. The 24-year-old scored 72 goals over three seasons in Dallas and should break out this season. As a natural goal scorer with dual-wing eligibility on a cup contender, Neal should easily make the cut as a #2 winger

Source:
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2011-09-27T08:24:38.000Z
James Neal
Zac Rinaldo(C)|FA
Line Change
Line Change
Rinaldo could be seeing more opportunities thanks to Tom Sestito, who may have had the upper hand in getting a roster spot until this point.

The lackadaisical play of Andreas Nodl could clear a roster spot for the gritty Rinaldo. In his first AHL season the left wing scored three goals and nine points but impressed team brass with 331 PIM. If he makes the team, Rinaldo has a high-PIM upside so keep him in mind in fantasy hockey leagues with deeper rosters.

Source:
Philly Sports Daily 2011-09-27T08:21:53.000Z
Zac Rinaldo
Stefan Elliott(D)|
Line Change
Line Change
If they keep Stefan Elliott on defense – which I predict will happen.

With the injury to Jan Hejda, Elliott has become one of the frontrunners to make the team. Last season the younster potted 31 goals and 81 points, establishing himself as one of the WHL's top defensemen. He should quickly take over the role as go-to, puck-moving defender on the Avs blue line.

Source:
All Things Avs 2011-09-27T08:13:27.000Z
Stefan Elliott
Paul Stastny(C)|FA
Line Change
Line Change
Paul Stastny, who I think has looked reasonably good in camp so far. Better quickness with the puck, mostly in his decision-making. Hockey is such a give-and-go game now, and I think he’s gotten better at moving the puck faster.

Stastny will need to step up for his team to re-enter the playoff picture. Coming off a poor year by his standards, the second-generation center scored 22 goals and 57 points. If on his game he can easily add 60 assists to his annual 20+ goals.

Source:
All Things Avs 2011-09-27T08:11:17.000Z
Paul Stastny
Mark Scheifele(C)|WPG
Line Change
Line Change
We’re still not ready to hand the seventh overall selection a spot on the opening-night roster, but he’s sure doing his part to make a strong case for inclusion.

Scheifele scored 22 goals and 75 points in 66 games with the Barrie Colts of the OHL. If he makes the team, expect him to play a relatively prominent role on a scoring line.

Source:
Winnipeg Sun 2011-09-27T08:06:48.000Z
Mark Scheifele

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!