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NHL Hockey Player News

Philadelphia has signed Ilya Pautov to a three-year, entry-level contract.

Pautov was a sixth-round pick, 173rd overall, by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. The 20-year-old Russian forward has spent the past several seasons playing in Russia in the Supreme Hockey League (VHL). He had five points (1G / 4A) in 25 games with Moscow Zvedza (VHL) in 2025-26.

Ilya Pautov
Tampa Bay has acquired the rights to Jack Pridham from Chicago for a 2027 3rd round pick.

Fresh off of a Memorial Cup victory with the Kitchener Rangers (OHL), Pridham's rights have been acquired by the Tampa Bay Lightning. The 20-year-old forward was a third-round pick, 92nd overall, of the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. He scored 90 points (46G / 44A) this season in 65 games with Kitchener.

Jack Pridham
New Jersey has signed Anton Silayev to a thre-year, entry-level contract.

Silayev was drafted 10th overall by the New Jersey Devils in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. The 20-year-old Russian defenseman has yet to play professionally in North America. He spent the 2025-26 season in the KHL, where he tallied three points (1G / 2A) in 61 games with the Nyzhny Novgorod Torpedo.

Dobes will start Game 5 in Carolina.

The Canadiens will turn to Dobes between the pipes with their season on the line in Carolina on Friday. The 24-year-old netminder was once again outstanding in a losing effort in Game 4, turning away 40 of the 43 shots he faced in the 4-0 loss. Just as they've been all series, the Habs are sizable underdogs in a must-win Game 5, entering action at +200 on the money line.

Jakub Dobes
Andersen will start Game 5 against the Canadiens.

Andersen saved all 18 shots he faced in Tuesday's 4-0 Game Four win over the Montreal Canadiens, setting a franchise record for three shutouts in a single postseason, and more importantly, helping his team take a commanding 3-1 series lead. The 36-year-old goalie has battled occasional inconsistencies in previous playoff runs, but has been terrific this year, posting a stellar 1.44 GAA and .928 SV% in 12 games (11-1). The Hurricanes hope to advance to the Stanley Cup finals with a victory, entering Game Five as sizeable -239 home favourites.

Frederik Andersen
Tampa Bay has signed Benjamin Rautianen to a three-year, entry-level contract.

Tampa Bay announced Friday that they have signed their 2025 4th round pick (108th overall) to a three-year, entry-level contract on Friday. The 20-year-old Finnish forward enjoyed an impressive third season with Tappara of Liiga in 2025-26, picking up 25 goals, 77 points and a +24 plus/minus in 59 games played.

Benjamin Rautiainen
Nashville has signed Felix Nilsson to a three-year, entry-level contract.

Nilsson was Nashville's 2023 2nd round pick (43rd overall) and has earned himself a three-year, entry-level contract on Friday. The 20-year-old Swedish forward spent 2025-26 with Rogle BK (SHL) and had 14 goals, 40 points and a +18 plus/minus in 52 games played.

Felix Nilsson
Andersen is expected to start Game 5 vs. Montreal.

Andersen saved all 18 shots he faced in Tuesday's 4-0 Game Four win over the Montreal Canadiens, setting a franchise record for three shutouts in a single postseason, and more importantly, helping his team take a commanding 3-1 series lead. The 36-year-old goalie has battled occasional inconsistencies in previous playoff runs, but has been terrific this year, posting a stellar 1.44 GAA and .928 SV% in 12 games (11-1). The Hurricanes hope to advance to the Stanley Cup finals with a victory, entering Game Five as sizeable -239 home favourites.

Frederik Andersen
Utah has signed Gregor Biber to a three-year, entry-level contract.

Biber was Utah's 2024 4th round pick (98th overall) and has earned himself a three-year entry-level contract on Thursday. The 19-year-old Austrian defensemen spent 2025-26 with Rogle BK (SHL), and had a goal, two points and 12 PIMs in 38 games played in Sweden's top league.

Gregor Biber
San Jose has signed Phillip Sinn to a two-year, entry-level contract.

After a successful first season in Germany's top leageu with EHC Munchen, Phillip Sinn has earned himself a two-year, entry-level contract with San Jose on Thursday. The 22-year-old undrafted defensemen turned heads after representing Germany at both the Olympics and World Championships. He had a goal and three points in 35 games with EHC Munchen (DEL) in 2025-26.

Phillip Sinn
Andersen will start Game 4 in Montreal.

Andersen has not had the same dominance he had through the first two rounds of the playoffs, posting a 1.12 GAA and .950 SV% in eight games (8-0), but has remained a steady option between the pipes for the Hurricanes. The 36-year-old Andersen has faced only 46 shots through three games against the Montreal Canadiens, allowing nine goals (.804 SV%), but has made some timely saves to help ensure a 2-1 series lead. The Hurricanes enter a pivotal Game Four as -147 road favourites.

Frederik Andersen
Dobes will start Game 4 against the Hurricanes.

For the first time this postseason, Dobes has lost two straight, but will look to rebound on Wednesday in Game Four. Despite being in a 2-1 series deficit, Dobes has remained reliable between the pipes, posting a 2.43 GAA and .914 SV%. The 25-year-old Czech goalie has a 2.50 GAA and .911 SV% through 17 outings this postseason (9-8). The Canadiens hope to even the series against the Carolina Hurricanes at 2-2, entering Game Four as +132 home underdogs.

Jakub Dobes
Dobes is expected to start in Game 4.

For the first time this postseason, Dobes has lost two straight, but will look to rebound on Wednesday in Game Four. Despite being in a 2-1 series deficit, Dobes has remained reliable between the pipes, posting a 2.43 GAA and .914 SV%. The 25-year-old Czech goalie has a 2.50 GAA and .911 SV% through 17 outings this postseason (9-8). The Canadiens hope to even the series against the Carolina Hurricanes at 2-2, entering Game Four as +132 home underdogs.

Jakub Dobes
Andersen is in the starter's crease at morning skate ahead of Game 4.

Andersen has not had the same dominance he had through the first two rounds of the playoffs, posting a 1.12 GAA and .950 SV% in eight games (8-0), but has remained a steady option between the pipes for the Hurricanes. The 36-year-old Andersen has faced only 46 shots through three games against the Montreal Canadiens, allowing nine goals (.804 SV%), but has made some timely saves to help ensure a 2-1 series lead. The Hurricanes enter a pivotal Game Four as -147 road favourites.

Frederik Andersen
Nichushkin (lower-body) will not play in Game 4 in Vegas.

Nichushkin exited Sunday's 5-3 Game Three loss to the Vegas Golden Knights in the second period after only playing 8:34 time-on-ice. The 31-year-old Nichushkin is the latest injury concern for an Avalanche team that has trouble staying healthy as they trail their third-round series 3-0. Nichushkin has four points (2G / 2A) in 12 games this postseason.

Valeri Nichushkin
Hart will start Game 4 against the Avalanche.

The Vegas Golden Knights have been outshot 104-73 by the Colorado Avalanche through three games, but find themselves with a commanding 3-0 series lead, due in part to exquisite goaltending from Carter Hart. The 27-year-old Hart has been riding a hot streak lately, winning five straight games this postseason, while boasting a tremendous 1.78 GAA and .948 SV%. Hart and the Golden Knights hope to sweep the Avalanche and advance to the Stanley Cup Finals, entering Game Four on Tuesday as slight -101 home underdogs.

Carter Hart
Pittsburgh has signed Evgeni Malkin to a one-year, $5.5 million contract extension.

Malkin, a future Hall-of-Fame player, was drafted 2nd-overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft and has been with the team for his entire career, which will continue for at least one more season after signing a one-year, $5.5 million contract extension. The 39-year-old Malkin had an excellent 2025-26 season, despite battling injuries, scoring 61 points (19G / 42A) in 56 games. It marked his best offensive production (1.09 PTS / GP) since the 2019-20 season (1.35 PTS / GP).

Evgeni Malkin

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!