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NHL Hockey Player News

Boston has signed Lukas Reichel to a one-year, $950,000 contract extension.

Reichel, the 17th-overall pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, has had trouble becoming a permanent fixture at the NHL level and was traded twice in the 2025-26 season. That said, he seemed to have found a role late in the season after joining the Boston Bruins, scoring three points (1G / 2A) in 10 games, earning himself a one-year contract extension.

Lukas Reichel
Dostal is expected to start Game 6 vs. Vegas on Thursday.

Dostal has been mostly reliable this postseason, but the Ducks will need him at his best as they face elimination for the first time in Game Six against the Vegas Golden Knights. The 25-year-old Czech goalie played well in Game Five, saving 29 of 32 shots (.906 SV%), but lost 3-2 in overtime. He has a 2.75 GAA and .885 SV% this round in five games (2-3) against the Golden Knights. The Ducks enter a must-win Game Six as slight +100 home underdogs.

Lukas Dostal
Harkins is expected to draw back into Anaheim's lineup for Game 6 vs. Vegas.

Harkins has not played since Game Three, but will re-enter the lineup in a must-win Game Six against the Vegas Golden Knights. The 28-year-old bottom-six forward is averaging 10:46 time-on-ice, recording one goal and 10 hits through two games this postseason.

Jansen Harkins
Luukkonen is in the starter's crease ahead of Game 5 vs. Montreal.

Luukkonen made his return to the crease in Game Four against the Montreal Canadiens after serving as Buffalo's backup for three weeks, and didn't miss a beat, saving 29 of 31 shots (.935 SV%) in a 3-2 win to help his team even the series at 2-2. Sabres' Head Coach Lindy Ruff has already set the trend of rolling with the hot goalie this postseason, and will continue that on Thursday, with Luukkonen set to tend the twine in Game Five. The Sabres enter the action as -117 home favourites.

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen
Wallstedt will start Game 5 in Colorado.

The Wild will roll with Wallstedt on Wednesday when they aim to keep their season alive and force a Game 6. Wallstedt turned away 29 of the 32 shots he faced in a losing effort in Game 4, as the Avalanche took a 3-1 series lead with a 5-2 victory. The 23-year-old Wallstedt has started all but one game for the Wild this post-season, posting an impressive .912 SV% across his nine appearances. The Wild are hoping he brings his A-game tonight, as they enter action at +175 on the money line.

Jesper Wallstedt
Lehkonen (upper-body) will not play in Game 5 against the Wild.

Lehkonen was a late scratch for Game 4 due to an upper-body injury but will be a game-time decision ahead of Game 5 vs. Minnesota on Wednesday. The 30-year-old has been a constant force in Colorado's electric top-six and has three goals, six points and a +9 plus/minus in seven playoff games this year.

Artturi Lehkonen
Malinski (upper-body) will not play in Game 5 against the Wild.

Malinski was an unexpected scratch for Game 4 with an upper-body injury but will now be a game-time decision as Colorado hosts Minnesota for Game 5 on Wednesday. The 27-year-old had a breakout campaign in 2026-26, with 40 points in 82 games and has continued that success into the postseason with an impressive three points and +7 plus/minus in 7 games played so far.

Sam Malinski
Blackwood will start Game 5 against the Wild.

Blackwood started his first game of the playoffs in Game 4 and earned the crease back for Game 5 as Colorado looks to close out Minnesota on home ice on Wednesday. Blackwood played exceptional in his only start of the playoffs, stopping 21 shots (.905 SV%) on route to a 5-2 win over the Wild on Monday. If Colorado were to win on Wednesday, they would meet either Vegas or Anaheim in the Western Conference Final.

Mackenzie Blackwood
McNabb was suspended one game for his hit on Ryan Poehling in Game 5 of Vegas' series against Anaheim.

The NHL's Department of Player Safety suspended McNabb for what they deemed to be "interference" against Anaheim's Ryan Poehling. Poehling attempted but failed to clear the puck out of the Ducks' zone mid-way through the first period when McNabb stepped up to lay a late hit on the unsuspecting Duck. Poehling has been ruled out indefinitely, while McNabb will be forced to watch Game 6 from the press box.

Brayden McNabb
Poehling (undisclosed) is out indefinitely.

Poehling was on the recieving end of a late, dirty hit by Vegas' Brayden McNabb and has been ruled out indefinitely by Head Coach Joel Quenneville on Wednesday. The 27-year-old forward's absence will create a large gap in Anaheim's lineup after he picked up four goals and five points throughout Anaheim's first 11 playoff games.

Ryan Poehling
The Sharks have signed Carson Wetsch to a three-year, entry-level contract.

The 20-year-old forward was just a few weeks from re-entering the NHL Draft if San Jose was unable to come to a deal before June 1st, but has now signed a three-year, entry-level contract to remain with the Sharks' organization. Wetsch was San Jose's 2024 3rd round pick (82nd overall) and had 22 goals, 72 points and 80 PIMs in 65 games played with Kelowna (WHL) in 2025-26.

Carson Wetsch
Malinski (upper-body) will be a game-time decision for Game 5.

Malinski was an unexpected scratch for Game 4 with an upper-body injury but will now be a game-time decision as Colorado hosts Minnesota for Game 5 on Wednesday. The 27-year-old had a breakout campaign in 2026-26, with 40 points in 82 games and has continued that success into the postseason with an impressive three points and +7 plus/minus in 7 games played so far.

Sam Malinski
Lehkonen (upper-body) will be a game-time decision for Game 5.

Lehkonen was a late scratch for Game 4 due to an upper-body injury but will be a game-time decision ahead of Game 5 vs. Minnesota on Wednesday. The 30-year-old has been a constant force in Colorado's electric top-six and has three goals, six points and a +9 plus/minus in seven playoff games this year.

Artturi Lehkonen
Blackwood is in the starter's crease at the Avalanche morning skate.

Blackwood started his first game of the playoffs in Game 4 and earned the crease back for Game 5 as Colorado looks to close out Minnesota on home ice on Wednesday. Blackwood played exceptional in his only start of the playoffs, stopping 21 shots (.905 SV%) on route to a 5-2 win over the Wild on Monday. If Colorado were to win on Wednesday, they would meet either Vegas or Anaheim in the Western Conference Final.

Mackenzie Blackwood
Hart will start Game 5 against the Ducks.

Head Coach John Tortorella has not wavered in his trust in Carter Hart, a rapport built during their days together with the Philadelphia Flyers, as the team has relied on him in each game this postseason. The 27-year-old goalie has battled some inconsistencies lately and allowed four goals on 19 shots (.826 SV%) in a 4-3 Game Four loss to the Ducks, who evened the series at 2-2. The Golden Knights enter a crucial Game Five as -158 home favourites.

Carter Hart

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!