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NHL Hockey Player News

Marc Staal(LD)|FA
Injury
Injury
At the same time, coach John Tortorella announced today that Staal will not travel with the team to Europe after tomorrow night’s exhibition game in Philadelphia.

Staal not making the trip hurts his chances of playing opening night. 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 2011-09-25T17:52:09.000Z
Marc Staal
John Erskine(D)|INA
Injury
Injury
The Caps play four times in the next week, but Boudreau was not optimistic about Erskine being able to get much action. “At this stage, I don't know,” the coach said. “I would hope that maybe the last one, but you never know.”

Erskine was scheduled to make the bottom pairing as a tough guy. After missing most of the preseason Jeff Schultz looks more fit for the role. Known mostly for his fighting, Erskine never broke 100 PIM in a season.

Source:
Capitals Watch 2018-07-18T17:53:22.017Z
Jason Chimera(LW)|
Injury
Injury
Jason Chimera missed practice again Sunday, though Boudreau deemed that precautionary as well. Chimera hasn't been on the ice since leaving Friday while feeling “a little off,” in Boudreau's words.

Chimera will face heavy competition and could get demoted all the way down to the fourth line. Last season he scored 10 goals and 26 points in 81 games. Don't draft unless you litterally need a roster plug.

Source:
Capitals Watch 2011-09-25T17:48:58.000Z
Jason Chimera
Brooks Laich(C)|
Injury
Injury
Brooks Laich left Sunday's practice early, but coach Bruce Boudreau downplayed it, like he had with some other minor issues during training camp.

When healthy. Laich should be playing on the team's second line. Last season he scored 16 goals and 48 points in 82 games. He figures to return to the 50-point range with more playing time.

Source:
Capitals Watch 2011-09-25T17:47:48.000Z
Brooks Laich
Marcus Johansson(LW)|FA
Line Change
Line Change
But after practice, Boudreau cautioned that Johansson's cold was the reason Backstrom was slotted on the top line. Look for a return to Ovechkin-Johansson-Brouwuer vs. Columbus.

Johansson scored 13 goals and 27 points in his first 69 NHL games. He should be centering the top line and Alex Ovechkin once healed.

Source:
Capitals Watch 2011-09-25T17:46:01.000Z
Marcus Johansson
Nicklas Backstrom(C)|FA
Line Change
Line Change
Ovechkin and Backstrom were laughing and chatting before practice like two old buddies who hadn't seen each other in a while. They were wearing matching red jerseys, too, possibly indicating a reunion for Monday night's game against the Blue Jackets.

Good news for Backstrom owners who expected him to play on the top line by default. Coming off his worst professional season, the former fourth overall pick will be tested all season. Expect Marcus Johansson to occasionally sub in on the top line, taking value away from Backstrom.

Source:
Capitals Watch 2011-09-25T17:41:44.000Z
Nicklas Backstrom
Casey Wellman(C)|INA
Line Change
Line Change
At forward: Casey Wellman, and in a bit of a surprise, Brett Bulmer.

Wellman could be ready for the next step after playing most of last season in Houston. The 23-year-old scored 14 goals and 35 points in 42 games with the Aeros and could make the team as a third liner. His ceiling could be around 20 goals if given ample playing time in Minnesota.

Source:
Star Tribune 2018-07-18T17:53:14.695Z
Brett Bulmer(RW)|
Line Change
Line Change
At forward: Casey Wellman, and in a bit of a surprise, Brett Bulmer.

Bulmer plays a rugged two-way game and could fit in on a bottom line. Last season, the left wing scored 18 goals and 49 poiints in 57 games playing for the Kelowna Rockets.

Source:
Star Tribune 2011-09-25T17:34:02.000Z
Brett Bulmer
Marco Scandella(LD)|FA
Line Change
Line Change
On the blue line: Marco Scandella, Justin Falk and Nate Prosser (at least one more cut will definitely come if Lundin is ready to start the season)

The Wild carried eight defensemen at times next year so expect only one of the three youngters to get sent down. Of the three, Scandella has the highest upside but would be used as a 5th or 6th defender. Last season he produced two assists in his first NHL campaign. Look for Scandella to improve those point totals in his first full season.

Source:
Star Tribune 2011-09-25T17:32:21.000Z
Marco Scandella

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!