NHL Hockey Player News

Cizikas (lower body) was placed on the Injured Reserve retroactive to January 9th.

Cizikas is eligible to return at any time after being placed on the Injured Reserve with a lower-body injury retroactive to January 9th on Wednesday but frees up an open roster spot on the Islanders in the meantime. The 32-year-old is producing at a similar rate to his previous seasons with 11 points (5G/6A) in 39 games played prior to his injury.

Casey Cizikas
Miromanov (undisclosed) was a full participant in full contact in Wednesday practice for the first time this season.

Miromanov spent last season split between Vegas and Henderson (AHL) but suffered an injury that has kept him sidelined so far this season. The 26-year-old Miromanov appeared in 14 games last season and picked up two goals, four assists, 22 SOG, two PIMs and a -6 plus/minus before his injury.

Daniil Miromanov
Zohorna has cleared waivers Wednesday and is expected to report to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (AHL).

Zohorna has spent most of the season with Pittsburgh, but after clearing waivers on Wednesday, he will report to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the AHL. In 31 games with Pittsburgh this season, Zohorna has seven points (4G / 3A), 38 shots, and 34 hits.

Radim Zohorna
Huberdeau (illness) returned to practice Wednesday after missing Tuesday's contest.

Huberdeau was a late scratch on Tuesday, with the Flames not announcing his absence until warmups. However, he appears to be ready to return to the lineup after participating in practice on Wednesday. Huberdeau has six goals and 17 assists in 43 games this season.

Jonathan Huberdeau
Markstrom (lower body) was on the ice for practice Wednesday after missing Tuesday's contest.

Dustin Wolf was recalled yesterday in correspondence to Markstrom's lower-body injury but his stay could be short-lived after Markstrom returned to practice on Wednesday. The Flames were victorious with Daniel Vladar between the pipes last night, but Markstrom has been the driving force behind the Flames' four-game winning streak, allowing only six total goals while posting an impressive .939 SV% in three of those wins.

Jacob Markstrom
Schmaltz (lower body) is considered day-to-day and is questionable Thursday in Vancouver.

Schmaltz recorded one assist in the Coyotes' last contest but exited the game with a lower-body injury after playing only 11:11 time-on-ice. The talented playmaker has five points (3G / 2A) in his last six games, and his availability remains uncertain ahead of Thursday's game against the Vancouver Canucks.

Nick Schmaltz
Tyler Ennis has announced his official retirement from professional hockey after 13 NHL seasons.

Ennis ends his career having played 700 career NHL games, scoring an impressive 346 points (144G / 202A) across 13 seasons, with most of his time spent with the Buffalo Sabres. The 34-year-old Ennis spent parts of the last two years playing overseas in Europe but has decided to hang up his skates on his professional career.

Tyler Ennis
Merzlikins will start Friday vs. New Jersey.

After not playing for six straight games, a strong outing in the Blue Jackets last contest on Tuesday has prompted them to turn to Merzlikins again on Friday. The Latvian netminder saved 27 of 30 shots (.900 SV%) in a 4-3 victory over the Vancouver Canucks, his first win since December 14th. Merzlikins and the Blue Jackets are +134 home underdogs against a struggling and injury-depleted New Jersey Devils squad that has lost two straight, being outscored 6-2.

Elvis Merzlikins
Jenner (jaw) is expected to return to the Blue Jackets' lineup Friday vs. New Jersey.

Jenner has not played since December 8th, missing the last 15 games, but is slated to make his return to the Blue Jackets lineup on Friday against the New Jersey Devils. Before his injury, Jenner was one of a few bright spots in a miserable season for the Blue Jackets, scoring 18 points (13G / 5A), firing 80 shots on goals, and registering 44 hits in 29 games.

Boone Jenner
Ovechkin (lower body) was a full participant in practice Wednesday and will be a game-time decision Thursday vs. St. Louis.

Ovechkin has missed the last three games due to a lower-body injury, and his status remains up in the air ahead of Thursday's matchup against the St. Louis Blues. Before his injury, Ovechkin was riding a six-game point streak, scoring seven points (2G / 5A) in that span.

Alex Ovechkin
Ullmark (lower body) is available for Boston's game Thursday vs. Colorado.

Ullmark appears to be nearing a return but will remain unavailable for Thursday's game against the Colorado Avalanche. Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman have almost exclusively split starting time this season, but Swayman will continue to take the reigns between the pipes until Ullmark returns.

Linus Ullmark
Gaudette has been recalled from Springfield (AHL) and will make his season debut Thursday.

Gaudette has been recalled from the Springfield Thunderbirds (AHL) in correspondence to Kasperi Kapanen (knee) being placed on the injured reserve. In 37 games with Springfield, Gaudette has 36 points (24G / 12A). He is expected to make his Blues' debut Thursday on their third line.

Adam Gaudette
Kapanen (ankle) was placed on the Injured Reserve and will be re-evaluated in four weeks.

Kapanen seemingly had no issue in the Blues' last game, playing 15:47 time-on-ice, above his season average, but has been placed on the injured reserve with an ankle injury and is expected to miss at least four weeks. Kapanen has struggled in his first full season with the Blues, scoring only 13 points (4G / 9A) in 42 games, his worst point-per-game pace (0.31) since his rookie season in 2017-18 with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Kasperi Kapanen

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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