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NHL Hockey Player News

Foerster (lower-body) has been activated from IR and is expected to return vs. EDM on Wednesday.

Foerster was drafted 23rd overall by the Flyers in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft and has shown strides towards becoming a reliable offensive producer at the NHL level. After scoring a career-high 43 points (25G / 18A) in 81 games last season, he was off to a strong start in 2025-26, with seven points (4G / 3A) in 11 games. He returned to practice on Tuesday and will likely return to his regular deployment in the Flyers' top-six on Wednesday against the Edmonton Oilers.

Tyson Foerster
Daccord (upper-body) practiced on Wednesday for the first time since being placed on IR.

Daccord has not played since November 5th due to an upper-body injury, but appears to be inching closer to a return after practicing on Wednesday. Matt Murray has seen most of the action between the pipes since Daccord's injury and will likely continue to do so until Daccord returns.

Joey Daccord
Nichushkin (lower-body) is still waiting on an update but is "going to miss some time."

Nichushkin exited Tuesday's 4-1 win over the Anaheim Ducks due to a lower-body injury after only 12:57 time-on-ice. The 30-year-old Nichushkin has 12 points (5G / 7A) in 17 games this season, and has been more productive lately, with nine points (3G / 6A) in his last 10 games. Colorado's head coach, Jared Bednar, was unable to provide a concrete update on Nichushkin's timeline, other than stating he will "miss some time."

Valeri Nichushkin
New York has signed Spencer Martin to a two-year contract and placed him on waivers.

The Rangers added some organizational goalie depth on Wednesday, signing Martin to a two-year contract. The 30-year-old goalie has primarily played in the AHL, but has a 3.56 GAA and .883 SV% in 66 career NHL games, mostly with the Vancouver Canucks and Carolina Hurricanes. He is expected to report to the Hartford Wolf Pack (AHL) after clearing waivers.

Spencer Martin
Ellis will start in Utah on Wednesday.

The Sabres have been outscored 9-3 in their last two games (0-2-0), and will likely switch things up on Wednesday against the Utah Mammoth, turning to Ellis for his second career start. The 25-year-old Ellis made his NHL debut on October 22nd and played exceptionally, saving 29 of 31 shots (.935 SV%) in a 4-2 win over the Detroit Red Wings. The Sabres enter the action on Wednesday as +177 road underdogs against a Mammoth team that has been outscored 15-7 during a three-game losing streak (0-3-0).

Colten Ellis
Blackwood will start vs. Buffalo on Thursday.

Colorado has been cautious with Blackwood's return from a lower-body injury, playing only two games since his return at the beginning of November, but he will return to the crease on Thursday against the Buffalo Sabres. The 28-year-old goalie is still finding his footing, posting a subpar 3.42 GAA and .875 SV% in two games (1-0-1). He had a terrific 2.33 GAA and .913 SV% with Colorado in 37 games last season (22-12-3).

Mackenzie Blackwood
Erne is considered week-to-week with a lower-body injury.

Erne was injured in the third period of the Stars' 3-2 win over the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday, exiting the game with 8:36 time-on-ice. The 30-year-old Erne has been an effective fourth-line player for the Stars, scoring three points (2G / 1A) in 14 games this season.

Adam Erne
Ellis is in the starter's crease at Buffalo's morning skate.

The Sabres have been outscored 9-3 in their last two games (0-2-0), and will likely switch things up on Wednesday against the Utah Mammoth, turning to Ellis for his second career start. The 25-year-old Ellis made his NHL debut on October 22nd and played exceptionally, saving 29 of 31 shots (.935 SV%) in a 4-2 win over the Detroit Red Wings. The Sabres enter the action on Wednesday as +177 road underdogs against a Mammoth team that has been outscored 15-7 during a three-game losing streak (0-3-0).

Colten Ellis
Dobes will start vs. Dallas on Thursday.

With Montembeault continuing to struggle this season, allowing four or more goals in five of his last seven games (3-3-1), the Canadiens will continue their goalie rotation, turning to Dobes on Thursday against the Dallas Stars. The 24-year-old Dobes has been excellent this season, but is coming off his first loss of the 2025-26 season, allowing four goals on 28 shots (.857 SV%) in a 4-3 overtime loss to the New Jersey Devils. He has a solid 2.25 GAA and .920 SV% in seven games this season (6-0-1).

Jakub Dobes
Markstrom is in the starter's crease at New Jersey's morning skate.

Markstrom allowed three goals on 24 shots (.875 SV%) in a 3-2 overtime loss to the New York islanders on Monday, and will likely return to the crease on Wednesday against the Chicago Blackhawks. The 35-year-old Markstrom has an ugly 3.82 GAA and .872 SV% in seven games (4-2-1), but has been better lately, posting a 2.30 GAA and .920 SV% in his last three outings (2-0-1). The Devils enter Wednesday's contest as -141 road favorites against a surprising Blackhawks team riding a three-game winning streak.

Jacob Markstrom
Burakovsky (undisclosed) will be a game-time decision vs. New Jersey on Wednesday.

Burakovsky was absent from practice on Wednesday, tending to an undisclosed injury, and his status is uncertain for the Blackhawks' game against the New Jersey Devils. Burakovsky has been outstanding lately, playing on a line with Connor Bedard, scoring 10 points (5G / 5A) in his last seven games.

Andre Burakovsky
Hyman (wrist) is a possibility to make his season debut in Columbus on Thursday.

Hyman missed the second half of last year's playoffs after enduring an upper-body injury and has yet to play in the 2025-26 season. At the beginning of training camp, Head Coach Kris Knoblach stated he is hopeful the 32-year-old can return in early November, a timeline that seems to be holding true, as Head Coach Knoblach stated he may return to the lineup as early as Thursday. Hyman is just one season removed from a 54-goal campaign in 2023-24 and will hope to get off to a hot start when he is able to return.

Zach Hyman
Gibson will start vs. Anaheim on Thursday.

The Red Wings have been outscored 10-2 during a three-game losing skid (0-3-0) and hope to turn it around on Thursday, with Gibson tending the twine against his former team, the Anaheim Ducks. The 32-year-old Gibson allowed four goals on 31 shots (.871 SV%) in his first meeting against the Ducks on October 31st. He has had an up-and-down start with the Red Wings, posting a 3.15 GAA and .882 SV% in nine games (4-5-0).

John Gibson
Vejmelka was the first goalie off the ice at Utah's morning skate.

After a hot start to the season, Utah finds itself on a three-game losing streak (0-3-0), hoping to snap it on Wednesday with Vejmelka tending the twine against the Buffalo Sabres. Vejmelka had a forgetful performance in his most recent outing, allowing six goals on 23 shots (.739 SV%) in a 6-2 loss to the Montreal Canadiens. The 29-year-old Czech goalie has a 2.91 GAA and .881 SV% in 11 games this season (7-4-0). The Mammoth enters Wednesday's contest as -195 home favorites against a Sabres team they defeated 2-1 in overtime less than a week ago.

Karel Vejmelka

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!