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NHL Hockey Player News

Kirby Dach (lower body) suffered a significant injury and is expected to be out indefinitely.

The Canadiens received terrible news Monday morning as Dach is expected to be out indefinitely after suffering a lower-body injury in Saturday's matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks. The 22-year-old center had two assists, three shots, and three hits in his first two games of the season. Alex Newhook is expected to replace Dach as the second-line center.

Kirby Dach
Darcy Kuemper will start Monday vs. Calgary.

Kuemper will make his season debut with the Capitals on Monday after being away from the team for their season opener to be with his wife for the birth of his son. The Capitals will hope that the return of Kuemper can give them a boost as they were shut out, 4-0, against the Pittsburgh Penguins in their first game of the season. Kuemper tied a career-high in his first season with the Capitals in 2022-23 by playing 57 games (22-26-7), recording a 2.85 GAA and .909 SV%. Tonight, the Capitals are +113 home underdogs against the Calgary Flames, who are off to a 1-1-0 start to the season in which they have been outscored 8-7.

Darcy Kuemper
Tomas Nosek (lower-body) is day-to-day and will miss Monday's game vs. Florida.

Nosek failed to pick up a point in both games played so far this season but has one shot and is average 12:10 TOI and will miss Monday's matchup vs. Florida as he is day-to-day with a lower-body injury. The 31-year-old signed a one-year, $1 million deal in the offseason with New Jersey joining his fourth NHL team. Nosek reached the 400 career games mark in the Devils' previous game and has 42 goals and 101 points during that span across nine seasons.

Tomas Nosek
Igor Shesterkin was the first goalie off the ice at Rangers' morning skate.

Shesterkin is likely to make his third consecutive start to open the season for the Rangers on Monday night. The All-Star goaltender is coming off a forgettable performance on Saturday that saw him allow five goals on 21 shots in a 5-3 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Last season, Shesterkin allowed five goals only once and followed it up with a victory performance where he allowed only two goals. Shesterkin and the Rangers will be looking to rebound as they are massive -232 home favourites against an Arizona Coyotes team that has only played one game this season, a 4-3 shootout victory over the New Jersey Devils.

Igor Shesterkin
Mathieu Olivier will be a healthy scratch Monday vs. Detroit.

Olivier had two PIMs, a -1 plus/minus and 12 shifts across 8:27 TOI in the Blue Jackets previous game vs. the Rangers but will be a healthy scratch Monday as they take on Detroit. The 26-year-old undrafted winger had his best career season in 2022-23 as he had five goals, 10 assists, 75 SOG, 81 PIMs and a -20 plus/minus in 66 games played. He will be replaced by Emil Bemstrom on Columbus' fourth line.

Mathieu Olivier
Liam Foudy will be a healthy scratch Monday vs. Detroit.

Foudy played only 12 shifts and 7:56 TOI in the Blue Jackets previous game and will be a healthy scratch Monday as they take on Detroit. The 23-year-old forward had seven goals, seven assists, 67 SOG, eight PIMs and a -26 plus/minus in 62 games played in 2022-23. He is being replaced by Jack Roslovic on Columbus' fourth line.

Liam Foudy
Emil Bemstrom will be aback in the Blue Jackets' lineup Monday vs. Detroit.

Bemstrom is expected to play in his second game of the season after being scratched by the Blue Jackets on Saturday. He recorded two shots on goal in 14:27 time-on-ice in his only game of the season. The 24-year-old had a career-high 22 points (7G / 15A) in 55 games last season.

Emil Bemstrom
Jack Roslovic will find himself back in Columbus' lineup Monday vs. Detroit.

Roslovic was a late scratch in the Blue Jackets second game of the season but is expected to return to the lineup on Monday night against the Red Wings. Roslovic will likely find himself back on the fourth line with Sean Kuraly and Emil Bemstrom. He had zero shots and a -1 plus/minus rating in 9:31 time-on-ice in his only game this season.

Jack Roslovic
Spencer Martin will start Monday vs. Detroit.

With Elvis Merzlinkins currently battling a stomach bug, Martin will get his first start as a member of the Blue Jackets. Martin was claimed off of waivers from the Vancouver Canucks, where he recorded a 3.99 GAA and .871 SV% in 29 games last season (11-15-1). He already appeared in net for the Blue Jackets once in relief this season, allowing two goals on 17 shots in 20 minutes of action. Martin and the Blue Jackets are +118 home underdogs tonight against a Detroit Red Wings team that has scored nine goals in their first two games (1-1-0).

Spencer Martin
Vitek Vanecek was in the starters' crease at morning skate Monday vs. Florida.

The New Jersey Devils seem committed to continuing their goalie rotation early in the season as it appears Vanecek will return to the crease on Monday night. In his only game of the season thus far, Vanecek allowed three goals on 35 shots en route to securing a 4-3 victory over the Detroit Red Wings. The Devils are listed as -169 home favourites against a Florida Panthers team that has struggled immensely so far this season, scoring only four times in their first two games (0-2-0).

Vitek Vanecek
Martin will likely start Monday vs. the Red Wings.

With Elvis Merzlinkins currently battling a stomach bug, Martin seems likely to get his first start as a member of the Blue Jackets. Martin was claimed off of waivers from the Vancouver Canucks, where he recorded a 3.99 GAA and .871 SV% in 29 games last season (11-15-1). He has appeared in net for the Blue Jackets once in relief this season, where he allowed two goals on 17 shots in 20 minutes of action. Martin and the Blue Jackets at +198 home underdogs tonight against a New York Rangers team that has scored eight goals in their first two games (1-1-0).

Spencer Martin
Hall (shoulder) is expected to be back in the Blackhawks lineup on Monday.

Hall missed one game with a shoulder injury that he suffered last Wednesday in Boston. He was initially considered week-to-week, so returning after one game is huge new for the Blackhawks. Hall had one assist and four shots on goal in two games to start the season.

Taylor Hall
Elvis Merzlikins (stomach bug) is questionable to dress vs. Detroit Monday.

Jet Greaves has been called up from the AHL on an emergency basis as Merzlinkins continues to battle a stomach bug. Merzlinkins has played well in two games this season (1-1-0), recording a 1.84 GAA and .950 SV%. If Merzlinkins is indeed unable to play on Monday night, Spencer Martin will likely get his first start as a Blue Jacket.

Elvis Merzlikins
Columbus have added Jet Greaves on an emergency recall from Cleveland (AHL).

Elvis Merzlinkins is currently battling a stomach illness and if he is unable to suit up on Monday against the Detroit Red Wings, Greaves will likely slide in as the backup for the Blue Jackets. Greaves played one game last season for the Blue Jackets, his NHL debut, where he saved 46 of 49 shots in a 4-2 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Jet Greaves
Vejmelka will start Tuesday against the Islanders.

Coming off a 2-1 loss last night to the New York Rangers, the Coyotes will turn to Vejmelka after starting Connor Ingram in the front end of their back-to-back slate. Vejemelka was very good in his first and only start of the season thus far, saving 33 of 36 shots in a 4-3 shootout victory over the New Jersey Devils. The Coyotes once again enter tonight's matchup as sizeable underdogs (+174) but will be facing a New York Islanders team that has routinely struggled to score goals.

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!