NHL Hockey Player News

Wedgewood is expected to start vs. Buffalo on Thursday.

Wedgewood has only played once since December 12th, saving 30 of 32 shots (.938 SV%) in a 4-2 win over the Anaheim Ducks on December 20th. Still, the 32-year-old netminder has been solid in limited action with Colorado, posting an impressive 1.93 GAA and .932 SV% in six games (4-2-0). Colorado enters Thursday's contest as -200 home favorites against a Buffalo team whose three-game winning streak snapped in a 4-2 loss to the Dallas Stars on Tuesday.

Scott Wedgewood
Hyry will make his NHL debut vs. Ottawa on Thursday.

Hyry was signed as an undrafted forward in the offseason and will make his NHL debut with Dallas on Thursday. The 23-year-old impressed in training camp and has been solid at the AHL-level, scoring 26 points (14G / 12A) in 29 games with Texas this season.

Arttu Hyry
Vladar will start vs. Utah on Thursday.

The Flames have won three straight with Dustin Wolf between the pipes but will turn to Vladar on Thursday against the Utah Hockey Club. The 27-year-old Vladar was solid in a 3-0 losing effort to the Vegas Golden Knights in his previous outing, saving 34 of 36 shots (.944 SV%). He has a 3.02 GAA and .890 SV% in 18 games this season (6-7-5). Calgary enters Thursday's contest as +105 home underdogs against a Utah team outscored 16-6 in their last four games (0-4-0).

Dan Vladar
Woll will start in New York on Thursday.

Woll was excellent against the New York Islanders on Tuesday, saving 30 of 31 shots (.968 SV%) in a 3-1 win, and will return to the crease in a rematch on Thursday evening. The 26-year-old Woll has won two straight games and is sporting a solid 2.48 GAA and .913 SV% in 17 games this season (11-6-0). The Maple Leafs enter Thursday's contest as -110 road favorites against an Islanders squad limited to two or fewer goals in three of their last four games (1-3-0).

Joseph Woll
Oettinger will start vs. Ottawa on Thursday.

The Stars rolled with Casey DeSmith between the pipes in their most recent outing, a 4-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres. Still, they will return to Oettinger on Thursday against the Ottawa Senators. Oettinger has lost three of his last four games (1-2-1) but was solid in his previous contest, saving 24 of 25 shots (.960 SV%) in a 5-1 win over the Chicago Blackhawks. He has a 2.38 GAA and .909 SV% in 27 games this season (17-9-1). The Stars enter Thursday's contest as -176 home favorites against a Senators squad coming off an impressive 3-1 win over the Minnesota Wild.

Jake Oettinger
Murphy missed practice on Thursday with a groin injury.

Murphy is battling through a groin injury and did not practice on Thursday. The 31-year-old Murphy has been a steadying force on the blue line for the Blackhawks this season, averaging 20:33 time-on-ice and scoring 13 points (1G / 12A) in 38 games. The Blackhawks return to action on Friday against the Montreal Canadiens.

Connor Murphy
Oettinger was the first goalie off the ice at Dallas' morning skate.

The Stars rolled with Casey DeSmith between the pipes in their most recent outing, a 4-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres. Still, they will likely return to Oettinger on Thursday against the Ottawa Senators. Oettinger has lost three of his last four games (1-2-1) but was solid in his previous contest, saving 24 of 25 shots (.960 SV%) in a 5-1 win over the Chicago Blackhawks. He has a 2.38 GAA and .909 SV% in 27 games this season (17-9-1). The Stars enter Thursday's contest as -176 home favorites against a Senators squad coming off an impressive 3-1 win over the Minnesota Wild.

Jake Oettinger
McLaughlin will be a healthy scratch in New York on Thursday.

Oliver Wahlstrom will re-enter the Bruins lineup on Thursday against the New York Rangers, returning McLaughlin to the press box as a healthy scratch. The 25-year-old McLaughlin is averaging 9;35 time-on-ice and has two points (2G / 0A) in 11 games this season.

Marc McLaughlin
Wahlstrom will draw back into Boston's lineup on Thursday in New York.

Marc McLaughlin will be a healthy scratch on Thursday against the New York Rangers, allowing Wahlstrom to re-enter the lineup. The 24-year-old Wahlstrom has not played the last two games for Bruins. He has zero points, 17 penalty minutes, and a -2 plus/minus in his four games with the club.

Oliver Wahlstrom
Talbot will start Thursday in Columbus.

The Red Wings have won two straight, both with Alex Lyon in net, but will turn to Talbot on Thursday against the Columbus Blue Jackets. The veteran Talbot has not recorded a victory since November 27th, going 0-5-0 in that stretch and posting an ugly .861 SV%. He has a 2.98 GAA and .906 SV% in 19 appearances this season (6-9-2). The Red Wings enter Thursday's contest as +105 road underdogs against a Blue Jackets squad with points in five of their last six (4-1-1).

Cam Talbot
Kochetkov is in the starter's crease at Carolina's morning skate.

The Hurricanes have lost three of their last four (1-2-1) and will likely turn to Kochetkov between the pipes on Thursday against the Florida Panthers. Kochetkov allowed three goals on 28 shots (.893 SV%) in his most recent outing, a 4-3 shootout loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. He has a 2.52 GAA and .899 SV% in 23 games this season (14-7-1). The Hurricanes enter Thursday's contest as +105 home underdogs against a Panthers club that defeated them 6-0 on November 30th.

Pyotr Kochetkov
Swayman was the first goalie off the ice at Boston's morning skate.

The Bruins will turn to Swayman between the pipes for a third consecutive game on Thursday when they visit the New York Rangers. Swayman was unsuccessful in his most recent outing, a 3-1 loss to the Washington Capitals, but was solid, saving 24 of 26 shots (.923 SV%). The 26-year-old Swayman has played well lately, allowing three or fewer goals in six straight (4-1-1), posting a .919 SV%. The Bruins enter Thursday's contest as slight -104 road underdogs against against a Rangers club outscored 19-6 in their last four games (0-4-0).

Jeremy Swayman
Fleury will start in Washington on Thursday.

Minnesota will turn to Fleury between the pipes for the first time in two weeks. Fleury was unsuccessful in his most recent outing, allowing two goals on 18 shots (.889 SV%) in a 2-1 loss to the Utah Hockey Club. The veteran 40-year-old Fleury has a 2.81 GAA and .898 SV% through 11 games this season (6-3-1). Minnesota enters Thursday's contest as +142 road underdogs against a Washington Capitals team coming off a 3-1 win over the Boston Bruins.

Marc-Andre Fleury
Coghlan is expected to be a healthy scratch on Thursday vs. Anaheim.

Ville Heinola will draw back into Winnipeg's lineup on Thursday against the Anaheim Ducks, sending Coghlan to the sidelines as a healthy scratch. The 26-year-old Coghlan has only played three games this season, averaging 15:11 time-on-ice and scoring zero points.

Dylan Coghlan
Colorado has signed Keaton Middleton to a two-year, contract extension.

Middleton was the fourth-round pick, 101st overall, of the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. He has been a product of the Avalanche since the 2020-21 season but had only played three NHL games before this season. In 10 games this season, the 26-year-old Middleton is averaging 10:31 time-on-ice and has zero points, 10 blocks, and 14 hits. He signed a two-year, $1.55 million contract extension ($775,000 AAV).

Keaton Middleton
Hellebuyck will start vs. Anaheim on Thursday.

The Jets gave Hellebuyck a rare night off in their previous game, a 5-2 loss to the Colorado Avalanche, but will return to him on Thursday against the Anaheim Ducks. The 31-year-old Hellebuyck has been outstanding this season, a favorite for the Vezina trophy, posting an absurd 2.00 GAA and .930 SV% in 30 games this season (24-5-1). The Jets enter Thursday's contest as significant -273 home favorites against a Ducks squad riding a two-game winning streak.

Connor Hellebuyck
Fehervary (upper-body) is good to return on Thursday vs. Minnesota.

Fehervary was limited to only 14:10 time-on-ice before exiting Tuesday's 3-1 win over the Boston Bruins with an upper-body injury. The 25-year-old Slovak defenseman is averaging 19:24 time-on-ice, recording seven points (0G / 7A), 79 blocks, and 69 hits in 37 games this season.

Martin Fehervary

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!



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