Barron (upper-body) has a chance to return vs. Minnesota on Thursday.
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NHL Hockey Player News
Goalie Start
Kuemper was the first goalie off the ice at Los Angeles’ morning skate.
Salomonsson has been recalled from Manitoba (AHL).
Miller (lower-body) is considered week-to-week.
Pionk (undisclosed) is considered week-to-week.
Mikkola (undisclosed) missed practice on Wednesday.
Mikkola is not expected to miss much time, if any, but he his status for Friday's game against the Carolina Hurricanes is uncertain. The 29-year-old Mikkola is averaging 20:19 time-on-ice and has seven points (1G / 6A) in 45 games this season.
Teravainen (upper-body) is out vs. Calgary on Thursday and is considered day-to-day.
Teravainen exited Monday's 4-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers late in the first period after only 5:27 time-on-ice because of an upper-body injury. The 31-year-old Finnish forward has 21 points (9G / 12A) in 45 games this season, but has struggled lately, scoring just four points (3G / 1A) in his last 20 games.
Blackwood (lower-body) has been activated from IR.
Blackwood has not played since New Year's Eve due to a lower-body injury, but was activated from IR on Wednesday and should resume his timeshare with Scott Wedgewood in the Colorado crease. Trent Miner has been assigned to the Colorado Eagles (AHL) in a corresponding move.
Smith (upper-body) was a full participant in Wednesday’s meeting practice but will not return vs. Washington on Thursday.
Smith has not played in nearly a month and has finally been cleared for contact, practicing in a full capacity on Wednesday, but he will miss at least one more game. The 20-year-old second-year player has 29 points (12G / 17A) in 33 games this season.
Trent Miner has been reassigned to the Colorado Eagles (AHL).
With Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood both battling through some ailments, Miner played two games for Colorado, including recording his first career shutout in a 4-0 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. The 24-year-old goalie has a 2.03 GAA and .923 SV% in four games with the Avalanche this season (1-0-3).
Chychrun (illness) is a possibility to return vs. San Jose on Thursday.
Chychrun was a late scratch on Sunday due to an illness and did not play on Tuesday, but could return to the lineup on Thursday against the San Jose Sharks. The 27-year-old Chychrun scored a career-high 20 goals last season and is pacing to top that in 2025-26, with 15 goals through 45 games.
Drysdale (upper-body) will return in Buffalo on Wednesday.
Drysdale exited last Tuesday's 5-2 win over the Anaheim Ducks after only 5:56 time-on-ice due to an upper-body injury. He was placed on Injured Reserve and will return to the lineup on Wednesday when the Flyers face off against the Buffalo Sabres. The 23-year-old defenseman has 18 points (3G / 15A) in 41 games this season.
Goalie Start
Vladar will start in Buffalo on Wednesday.
Vladar has lost two games in a row (0-1-1), a rarity for the Czech goalie this season, but he will return to the crease on Wednesday, hoping to avoid losing three consecutive games for the first time this season. The 28-year-old Vladar allowed four goals on 25 shots (.840 SV%) in Monday's 5-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning, the first time he has allowed more than three goals in over a month. Vladar has a 2.42 GAA and .907 SV% in 27 games this season (16-7-4). The Flyers enter Wednesday's contest as +123 home underdogs against a Sabres team that is 13-2-0 in their last 15 games, but is 3-2-0 in their last five.
Wilson (lower-body) has potential to return vs. San Jose on Thursday.
Wilson has not played since suffering a lower-body injury on January 3rd, but was a full participant at practice on Wednesday and could return to the lineup on Thursday against the San Jose Sharks. The 31-year-old Wilson is having a career season, with 42 points (22G / 20A) in 41 games.
Bedard (illness) returned to practice on Wednesday.
Bedard was a surprise scratch on Monday, as he became the latest victim of the flu that's ravaged the Blackhawks dressing room of late. It's an unfortunate break for the young phenom, who has just two games under his belt since returning from the shoulder injury that sidelined him for over a month. That said, Bedard has been outstanding when healthy, scoring 46 points (19G / 27A) through 33 games this season.
Deslauriers is expected to draw back into Philadelphia's lineup on Wednesday in Buffalo.
Denver Barkey will be a healthy scratch on Wednesady, allowing Deslauriers to re-enter the lineup against the Buffalo Sabres. The 34-year-old Deslauriers is averaging 8:18 time-on-ice through 17 games and is still searching for his first point of the season.
Line Change
Barkey is expected to be a healthy scratch in Buffalo on Wednesday.
Nicolas Deslauriers will draw back into Philadelphia's lineup on Wednesday, sending Barkey to the sidelines as a healthy scratch. The 20-year-old Barkey is in his first NHL season and has three points (1G / 2A) in 11 games.
Goalie Start
Vladar is in the starter's crease at Philadelphia's morning skate.
Vladar has lost two games in a row (0-1-1), a rarity for the Czech goalie this season, but he will return to the crease on Wednesday, hoping to avoid losing three consecutive games for the first time this season. The 28-year-old Vladar allowed four goals on 25 shots (.840 SV%) in Monday's 5-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning, the first time he has allowed more than three goals in over a month. Vladar has a 2.42 GAA and .907 SV% in 27 games this season (16-7-4). The Flyers enter Wednesday's contest as +123 home underdogs against a Sabres team that is 13-2-0 in their last 15 games, but is 3-2-0 in their last five.
Montreal has signed Alexandre Texier to a two-year contract extension worth $2.5 million AAV ($5M total).
Texier had his contract terminated by the St. Louis Blues earlier this season and immediately signed with the Canadiens, where he has impressed and earned himself a two-year extension. The 26-year-old French-born forward has 16 points (7G / 9A) in 25 games with Montreal this season.
Shepard has been loaned to Belleville (AHL).
With the recent signing of James Reimer, Shepard will return to the Belleville Senators (AHL). The 30-year-old Shepard has gone 5-6-1 with a 3.41 GAA and .897 SV% in 12 AHL games this 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.
DFO’s Specialized News Categories
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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.
- NHL Waiver Wire Moves and Implications – Check out all the latest moves made on the NHL waiver wire and their implications on the teams involved.
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- NHL Player Signings and Contract Details – Your go-to spot during NHL free agency, check out the latest NHL player signings and contract details today.
- NHL Roster Changes and Transactions – Looking to see what the latest moves made by your favourite team were? Then check out the latest NHL roster changes and transactions here on DFO.