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NHL Hockey Player News

Joel Kiviranta(LW)|COL
Injury
Injury
Kiviranta (undisclosed) will be a game-time decision for Game 4 in Minnesota.

Kiviranta played the first two games of the postseason for Colorado against the Los Angeles Kings, but has been sidelined since. The 30-year-old Finnish forward averaged 10:22 time-on-ice and scored nine points (3G / 6A) in 51 games during the regular season.

Source:
Evan Rawal 2026-05-11T17:26:39.211Z
Joel Kiviranta
Josh Manson(D)|COL
Injury
Injury
Manson (upper-body) will be a game-time decision for Game 4 vs. Minnesota.

Manson has not played since suffering an upper-body injury in Game Three of the first round against the Los Aneles Kings, but could be an option in Game Four against the Minnesota Wild. The 34-year-old defenseman has two assists and 10 hits through three games this postseason.

Source:
Evan Rawal 2026-05-11T17:24:37.591Z
Josh Manson
Mackenzie Blackwood(G)|COL
Goalie Start
Goalie Start
Blackwood was in the starter’s crease at morning skate ahead of Game 4 vs. Anaheim.

Scott Wedgewood played Colorado's first six postseason games in their entirety, going 6-0, but was replaced by Blackwood in Game Three against the Minnesota Wild after allowing three goals on 12 shots (.750 SV%) in an eventual 5-1 loss. The 29-year-old Blackwood was solid in limited action in Game Three, saving 12 of 13 shots (.923 SV%). Blackwood has not started a game in over three weeks, but was solid to end the regular season, posting a 2.00 GAA and .932 SV% in his last four outings (2-1-1). Colorado will hope to take a commanding 3-1 series lead, entering Game Four as -134 road favourites.

Source:
Bailey Curtis 2026-05-11T17:23:24.345Z
Mackenzie Blackwood
Jesper Wallstedt(G)|MIN
Goalie Start
Goalie Start
Wallstedt will start Game 4 vs. Colorado.

After a poor Game One against the Colorado Avalanche, allowing eight goals on 42 shots (.810 SV%) in a 9-6 loss, Wallstedt had the night off in Game Two, as Filip Gustavsson tended the twine in a 5-2 loss. Minnesota returned to Wallstedt in Game Three, and he repaid their trust, returning to the form he showcased in the first round against the Dallas Stars, saving 35 of 36 shots (.972 SV%) in a 5-1 win, helping his team narrow the series deficit to 2-1. Minnesota enters a pivotal Game Four as +121 home underdogs.

Source:
Dan Rosen 2026-05-11T16:28:08.706Z
Jesper Wallstedt
Joel Eriksson Ek(C)|MIN
Injury
Injury
Eriksson Ek (lower-body) will remain out for Game 4 vs. Colorado.

Eriksson Ek had an awkward non-contact fall midway through the third period of Game Six against the Dallas Stars, and has subsequently missed the first three games of the second round against the Colorado Avalanche. Down 2-1 in the series, Minnesota has missed the offensive contributions of Eriksson Ek, who has five points (3G / 2A) through six games this postseason. He will remain sidelined in Game Four.

Source:
Michael Russo 2026-05-11T15:59:00.361Z
Joel Eriksson Ek
Mark Jankowski(LW)|CAR
Signing
Signing
Carolina has signed Mark Jankowski to a two-year contract worth $1.85 million AAV ($3.7 million total).

Jankowski has had trouble being an NHL regular in recent years, but found a home in Carolina this season, and has been rewarded with a two-year contract extension. The 31-year-old forward scored 21 points (11G / 10A) this season in 68 games, his highest total since 2018-19.

Source:
Walt Ruff 2026-05-11T15:58:03.149Z
Mark Jankowski

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!