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NHL Hockey Player News

Hyman (undisclosed) will return vs. Vancouver on Thursday.

Hyman has missed Edmonton's previous five games due to an undisclosed injury but practiced in full on Wednesday and will return for the season finale vs. Vancouver on Thursday. The 33-year-old has enjoyed another excellent season in an Oilers' jersey after starting 2025-26 late due to injury, with 31 goals, 51 points and 158 SOG in 57 games played.

Zach Hyman
Polin is expected to draw back into Colorado's lineup vs. Seattle on Thursday.

Entering their final game of the regular season, the Avalanche will likely rest some of their key players, resulting in several call-ups from the Colorado Eagles (AHL), including Polin. The 26-year-old Polin has spent most of the season in the AHL, where he has 21 points (10G / 11A) in 45 games with the Eagles.

Jason Polin
Barre-Boulet is expected to draw back into Colorado's lineup vs. Seattle on Thursday.

Entering their final game of the regular season, the Avalanche will likely rest some of their key players, resulting in several call-ups from the Colorado Eagles (AHL), including Barre-Boulet. The 28-year-old Barre-Boulet has been exception with the Eagles this season, scoring 70 points (26G / 44A) in 69 games.

Alex Barré-Boulet
Lankinen will start in Edmonton on Thursday.

The Canucks will finish the 2025-26 season in last place, but will try to end on a high note, turning to Lankinen to tend the twine against the Edmonton Oilers. The 30-year-old Finnish goalie was solid in his previous outing, saving 31 of 34 shots (.912 SV%) in a 4-3 overtime win over the Los Angeles Kings. He has three wins in his last four games (3-1-0), but has an ugly 3.75 GAA and .884 SV% to go with it. The Canucks enter Thursday's contest as sizeable +270 road underdogs against an Oilers team trying to secure home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

Kevin Lankinen
Howard has been reassigned to Bakersfield (AHL) on Thursday.

With the postseason about to begin and healthy bodies returning to the Oilers' roster, Howard will head to the AHL to help Bakersfield on their playoff run. The 22-year-old rookie started the season with the Oilers, but had trouble producing, scoring only five points (2G / 3A) through 29 games. That said, he has excelled this year at the AHL level, scoring 47 points (22G / 25A) in 45 games with Bakersfield.

Isaac Howard
Sergeev will start vs. Los Angeles on Thursday.

Devin Cooley is battling an illness and will not suit up for Calgary's final game of the season, resulting in Arsenii Sergeev being recalled from the Calgary Wranglers (AHL). The 23-year-old Sergeev was a seventh-round pick of the Flames in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft and is expected to make his NHL debut on Thursday. In his first professional season, he has a 3.29 GAA and .898 SV% in 28 games with the Wranglers in the AHL (5-13-8). The Flames enter Thursday's contest as +136 home underdogs against a red-hot Los Angeles Kings that is 6-0-2 in their last eight games.

Arsenii Sergeev
Forsberg will start in Calgary on Thursday.

With the Kings still battling for playoff positioning in their final game of the season, they will turn to Anton Forsberg, who has been their go-to option between the pipes in recent weeks. The 33-year-old Swedish goalie was solid in his most recent outing, saving 30 of 33 shots (.909 SV%) in a 5-3 win over the Seattle Kraken. Forsberg elevated his game in April to help his team clinch a playoff berth, posting an excellent 1.37 GAA and .950 SV% in five games (5-0-0). The Kings enter Thursday's contest as -151 road favourites against a Calgary Flames team that has been limited to just one goal in three of their last four games (1-3-0).

Anton Forsberg
Toews (rest) is expected to draw back into Colorado's lineup vs. Seattle on Thursday.

Toews had the night off in Colorado's previous game, but he will suit up for their season finale on Thursday against the Seattle Kraken. The 31-year-old Toews has missed some time due to injuries this season, partly resulting in his decline in offensive totals. With 24 points (3G / 21A) through 67 games, he will finish the season with his lowest offensive output since his 18-point season as a rookie with the New York Islanders in 2018-19.

Devon Toews
Nelson (rest) is expected to draw back into Colorado's lineup vs. Seattle on Thursday.

Nelson had the night off in Colorado's previous game, but he will suit up for their season finale on Thursday against the Seattle Kraken. The 34-year-old Nelson's first full season in Colorado has been a success, scoring 65 points (33G / 32A) through 80 games.

Brock Nelson
Ostlund (upper-body) is a possibility to return in Buffalo's opening series vs. Boston.

Ostlund has not played in over three weeks due to an upper-body injury, and his availability to start the playoffs is uncertain. The 22-year-old Swedish forward is averaging 13:58 time-on-ice and has 27 points (11G / 16A) in 60 games this season.

Noah Ostlund
Carrick (arm) is expected to remain out for Buffalo's opening series vs. Boston.

Carrick suffered an upper-body injury in a fight with Anders Lee of the New York Islanders on March 31st and has not played since. The 34-year-old has 16 points (9G / 7A) and 65 penalty minutes in 73 games this season. He is inching closer to a return, but is not likely to be ready to start the playoffs.

Sam Carrick
Ellis (maintenance) missed practice on Thursday and is considered day-to-day.

After not starting a game in over a month, Ellis played twice in the last two weeks with Buffalo wrapping up their season and was given the day off on Thursday. The 25-year-old Ellis was serviceable in limited action this season, posting a 2.90 GAA and .903 SV% in 16 games (8-4-2).

Colten Ellis
Lyon (lower-body) is expected to return to Buffalo's practice on Saturday.

A starter has not been announced for Buffalo's opening-game of the playoffs against the Boston Bruins on Sunday, but if Lyon is able to suit up, given that he has not played in weeks, he will likely serve as the backup to Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. The 33-year-old Lyon was struggling before his injury, resulting in his starting only one of the team's last five games. The team hopes Lyon's extended rest can help him reset and return to early-season form if he is called upon in the playoffs.

Alex Lyon
MacKinnon (rest) will be out vs. Seattle on Thursday.

Entering their final game of the regular season, the Avalanche will rest some key players, including Nathan MacKinnon. The 30-year-old MacKinnon ends the 2025-26 season by reaching the 100-point plateau for the fourth consecutive year, ending with 127 points (53G / 47A) in 80 games. That said, MacKinnon's dominance wavered in the final weeks of the season as games lacked importance, scoring only seven points (4G / 3A) in his last eight contests.

Nathan MacKinnon
Stankoven (illness) missed practice on Thursday.

Stankoven is battling an illness and did not practice on Thursday, but will be hopeful to play when Carolina opens the postseason on Saturday. Stankoven has been an effective offensive contributor in his previous two postseasons and hopes to carry his late-season momentum into a deep playoff run for the Hurricanes. The 23-year-old has nine points (7G / 2A) during a six-game point streak.

Logan Stankoven

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!