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Top draft pick Doug Hamilton has been returned to his junior team (Niagara Ice Dogs), and the same goes for Alexander Khokhlachev (Windsor), Jared Knight (London) and Ryan Spooner (Kingston).
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NHL Hockey Player News
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The Winnipegger is one of a handful of players locked in a battle to be the seventh or eighth blue-liner, with a chance to work himself into the regular rotation.
Meech played all of last season in the AHL but broke out offensively with 10 goals and 37 points. If he makes the team, he could show that potential at the AHL level but would need extensive injuries to his defensive counterparts in order to get offensive minutes.
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For a team lacking size down the middle, the second-year forward might be able to help fill the void. A second-round pick of the New Jersey Devils in 2008, he was a key piece of the Ilya Kovalchuk trade and this might be the season the organization starts reaping the rewards.
As a relatively high-end prospect, the 21-year-old still holds a high upside. Cormier scored a goal and an assist in 21 games with the Thrashers last season. Expect him to produce more offensively in his second season.
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On a team looking for possible players to contribute to a third-line scoring line, the fourth-year pro is among the candidates trying to lay claim to the job. The Vancouver product has produced at the AHL level (scoring 22 goals as a rookie in 2008-09) and has the versatility to be able to play both centre and wing.
Maxwell scored his first NHL goal last season in his 12-game tryout for the Thrashers. If he makes the team, he will face tough competition for playing time on the bottom two lines.
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He’s flown under the radar, but is one of the guys on the periphery right now. He brings a nice combination of grit and has the potential to chip in with some offence as well. Went pointless in 10 NHL games last season, but is coming off a season that saw him produce career highs with 21 goals, 32 assists and 53 points in 67 AHL games with Chicago Wolves.
Machacek may make the team but will probably play on the bottom lines. A third liner who pots 20 goals should be his ceiling.
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After Tuesday’s virtuoso performance (two goals, four points), everyone is curious what the seventh overall pick is going to do for an encore. Can he keep up his high level of play? The 18-year-old has met every challenge so far, so it would be tough to bet against him right now.
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.
Signing
Lightning adds depth by signing defenseman Daniel Milan to a three-year, two-way contract, the team announced.
Milan scored 14 goals and 38 points last season as a member of the Moncton Wildcats. At only 19, he likely returns to the QMJHL next season.
Injury
Jason Chimera, who was originally scheduled to suit up in Chicago, left the ice this morning becuase he “felt a little off,” according to Coach Bruce Boudreau.
Chimera probably won't miss any actual playing time. The left wing scored 10 goals and 26 assists last season for the Caps but somehow managed a minus-10 rating. No need to draft him unless you're league features deep rosters.
B’s captain Zdeno Chara is feeling fine and will be in tonight’s lineup as the Boston Bruins take on the New York Islanders in preseason play.
Chara sounds fine and should start the season on schedule. The hulking blue-liner scored 14 goals and 44 points last season for the Bruins. Feel free to draft him accordingly.
Corvo said Wednesday that the tight groin is an injury he had last year in training camp, and that it was just a sign of fatigue that goes away with a combination of rest and icing.
With rest, Corvo should be back at full strength. Last season the puck-moving defenseman posted 11 goals and 40 points with the Carolina Hurricanes. He figures to output similar production in his first season in Beantown.
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“It’s definitely going to be tough to make this team. There is so much depth,” Frattin said. “You can’t just put up offensive numbers. You also have to worry about the defensive game and play a two-way game.
Sounds like Frattin has a good shot at making the team this season. The 2011 Hobey Baker Memorial Award Candidate got a taste of NHL duty with the Leafs last season; sounds like he remains determined to stick with the Leafs. As a senior at the University of North Dakota, Frattin potted 36 goals and finished the season with 60 points in 44 games.
Tyler Bozak was expected to centre the linemates against the Buffalo Sabres on Friday night, but coach Ron Wilson will use Darryl Boyce instead, saying Bozak is “a little bit banged up.”
Sounds like he is just day-to-day. Bozak struggled offensively last season, finishing with 15 goals but a minus-29 rating as the team's top-line center. He feels more comfortable as the third line center, which should help his counting stats but likely not his fantasy value.
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“I really can’t worry about how others play. I have to worry about what I do,” Kadri said. “I’ve got to focus on myself and make sure I bring it every shift so I can contribute to the team.
Kadri should start the season with the big club centering their revamped third line. The 20-year-old managed 17 goals and 41 points through 44 games with the Toronto Marlies of the AHL. Despite his limited playing time, Kadri should become a scorer at the NHL level in a few years.
Injury
Mike Fisher is making progress. He keeps getting more range of motion and strength in his surgically repaired shoulder each day. But on Friday, Fisher said he didn’t believe he would be ready for the Predators’ Oct. 7 season-opener at Columbus.
Fisher is still not expected to make Opening Night for the Preds. The 31-year-old pivot potted 19 goals and 36 points between the Predators and the Ottawa Senators last season. When he returns, look for him to mainstay on the top line.
Injury
#Oilers Hemsky cleared for contact but probably won't play this weekend. Wants to get in at least two games before regular season.
Getting into games prior to the regular season essentially guarantees his health when the season begins. Last season Hemsky was limited to 47 games but performed well with 14 goals and 42 points. Expect him to line up with Taylor Hall and Sam Gagner.
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The team should know more about Staal's status by tomorrow, Tortorella said.
Staal may not make the trip to Europe, making it clear he will miss the first two games of the season. With a career high of 29 points (attained last season) Staal won't help your fantasy team as much as help Henrik Lundqvist and his teammates' plus/minus. Look for Tim Erixon to step right into a prominent role with Staal out.
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The defenseman said he recently had mononucleosis, but managed to get through it with the loss of only a few pounds. He said he had been skating on his own at Raleigh Center Ice, but today's practices at the RBC Center were his first of training camp.
Joslin will compete for one of the last defensive pairings on the team. Joslin fit in well last season in his 17-game tryout, scoring one goal and five points.
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“I just have to take my opportunity and play,” Gilroy said. “I don’t want to force things, just let it come naturally.”
Gilroy probably makes the team as a spare defenseman. Gilroy scored seven goals over his 127-game NHL career. He could improve under coach Guy Boucher but likely will not become the hyped offensive defenseman that won the Hobey Baker three seasons ago, at the NHL level.
Calgary Flames announced the signing of camp invitees Trurner Elson and James Martin yesterday.
The 19-year-old probably returns to Juniors for at least one more season. Elson scored 16 goals and 31 points last season with the Red Deer Rebels but is known more for his physical play. Look for him to take at least one year to make the AHL.
Signing
Calgary Flames announced the signing of camp invitees Trurner Elson and James Martin yesterday.
The 20-year-old probably returns to Juniors for his overage season. Martin scored 11 goals and 29 points last season for the Kootenay Ice. Look for him to play in the AHL next season.
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.
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- NHL Player Injury Updates and Recovery Timelines – See all the latest NHL player injury updates, timelines for their return, and impact made on each team.
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