NHL Hockey Player News

Smith (sprained knee) will be out for "a little bit of time" according to Head Coach Lindy Ruff.

Smith exited the Devils' last game early in the first period after playing only 2:43 time-on-ice with a sprained knee. Before his injury, Smith had three points (1G / 2A) and a +7 plus/minus in his last eight games after recording only two points (0G / 2A) and a -5 in his first 26.

Brendan Smith
Necas (upper body) was a full participant in practice Wednesday.

Necas has been sidelined for the last five games due to an upper-body injury, but was a full participant at practice on Wednesday, skating alongside Jack Drury and Stefan Noesen. Before his injury, Necas was amid a dry spell, scoring only three points (0G / 3A) in his last eight games.

Martin Necas
Mahura is expected to be a healthy scratch Wednesday vs. Detroit.

Mahura will exit the lineup and serve as a healthy scratch to allow Dmitry Kulikov to draw back into the lineup after a one-game absence from an undisclosed injury. Monday's game against the Anaheim Ducks was Mahura's first action in a month. He played 12:29 time-on-ice, recorded two hits, and a -2 plus/minus rating.

Josh Mahura
Murray has been loaned back to Texas (AHL) on Wednesday.

Potentially a paper transaction as the Stars do not play until Thursday, Murray has been loaned back to the Texas Stars (AHL). Scott Wedgewood's return appears to be on the horizon, but if he can't suit up as the Stars' backup on Thursday, expect Murray to be recalled ahead of their game against the Philadelphia Flyers.

Matthew Murray
Bobrovsky will start Wednesday vs. Detroit.

After seeing a season-best nine-game winning streak end last week, the Panthers have lost two straight and will hope to return to the win column on Thursday against the Detroit Red Wings. Despite being outscored 9-5 in their last two games (0-1-1), the Panthers are sizeable -205 home favourites against a Red Wings club that has won two straight but will be without offensive threat Patrick Kane. Bobrovsky, who has allowed three or fewer goals in seven of his last eight games (7-1-0) while posting a respectable .917 SV%, will likely tend the twine for the Panthers.

Sergei Bobrovsky
Meier (mid body) will return to the Devils' lineup Wednesday vs. Montreal.

Meier has not played since December 30th, when he exited a game against the Boston Bruins with a mid-body injury and has missed six games since. He will re-enter the Devils' lineup on Wednesday on a line with Michael McLeod and Dawson Mercer. Before his injury, Meier had four points (4G / 0A) in four games after being held without a point in nine straight.

Timo Meier
Samuelsson (upper body) is day-to-day without a concrete return date.

Samuelsson played only 7:25 time on ice before exiting Saturday's game against the Vancouver Canucks with an upper-body injury, subsequently missing Monday's game against the San Jose Sharks as well. Henri Jokiharju replaced Samuelsson on Monday and will likely stay in the lineup until he returns.

Mattias Samuelsson
Barkov (lower body) is out short-term and will not play Wednesday vs. Detroit.

The positive news for the Panthers is that Barkov will not miss extended time, but he will not be available for Wednesday's contest against the Detroit Red Wings due to a lower-body injury. Before his injury, Barkov was producing at a torrid pace, scoring 16 points, all assists, in his last 11 games. Anton Lundell is expected to skate on the top line alongside Sam Reinhart in his absence.

Aleksander Barkov
Hughes (illness) missed Wednesday's morning skate but is expected to still play vs. Montreal.

Hughes is battling an illness but, despite not participating in the morning skate on Wednesday, is expected to suit up for the Devils' contest against the Montreal Canadiens in the evening. Hughes has been held without a point in three straight games but was on a roll before that, scoring seven points (3G / 4A) in a six-game span.

Luke Hughes
Daws will start Wednesday vs. Montreal.

Daws has given the Devils their first glimpse of consistent goaltending this season, and he will start for the third straight game on Wednesday. Since making his debut towards the end of December, Daws has allowed more than three goals on once in five games (3-2-0), sporting a respectable 2.63 GAA and .921 SV%, a significant improvement over the netminding the Devils received up to that point from Vitek Vanecek and Akira Schmid. Daws and the Devils have a favourable matchup on Wednesday and are -174 home favourites against the Montreal Canadiens, who have lost three of their last four (1-1-2).

Nico Daws
Meier (mid body) is expected to rejoin the Devils' lineup Wednesday vs. Montreal.

Meier has not played since December 30th, when he exited a game against the Boston Bruins with a mid-body injury and has missed six games since. He is expected to re-enter the Devils' lineup on Wednesday on a line with Michael McLeod and Dawson Mercer. Before his injury, Meier had four points (4G / 0A) in four games after being held without a point in nine straight.

Timo Meier
Daws is in the starter's net at Wednesday's morning skate.

Daws has given the Devils their first glimpse of consistent goaltending this season, and he will likely start for the third straight game on Wednesday. Since making his debut towards the end of December, Daws has allowed more than three goals on once in five games (3-2-0), sporting a respectable 2.63 GAA and .921 SV%, a significant improvement over the netminding the Devils received up to that point from Vitek Vanecek and Akira Schmid. Daws and the Devils have a favourable matchup on Wednesday and are -174 home favourites against the Montreal Canadiens, who have lost three of their last four (1-1-2).

Nico Daws
Bobrovsky was in the starter's crease at Wednesday's morning skate.

After seeing a season-best nine-game winning streak end last week, the Panthers have lost two straight and will hope to return to the win column on Thursday against the Detroit Red Wings. Despite being outscored 9-5 in their last two games (0-1-1), the Panthers are sizeable -205 home favourites against a Red Wings club that has won two straight but will be without offensive threat Patrick Kane. Bobrovsky, who has allowed three or fewer goals in seven of his last eight games (7-1-0) while posting a respectable .917 SV%, will likely tend the twine for the Panthers.

Sergei Bobrovsky

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

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