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NHL Hockey Player News

Thomas Novak (upper body) has been placed on the injured reserve and is expected to miss 4-6 weeks.

Novak's absence for the next four to six weeks will be a huge blow to the Predators as he ranked second on the team with 12 points (6G / 6A) in 14 games. Novak was a regular contributor to the Predators' top powerplay unit while regularly playing in the top six at even strength. Cody Glass will likely see his duties elevator while Novak is unavailable to play.

Tommy Novak
Samuel Montembeault will start Tuesday vs. Calgary.

Montembault has been a consistent bright spot on an up-and-down season for the Canadiens and will play his seventh game on Tuesday against the Calgary Flames. Montembault has put together a stellar .911 SV% in his last five appearances, allowing only 13 goals in his last five appearances (2-1-1). The Canadiens are +148 home underdogs but are playing a Flames team that has lost two straight (0-1-1) and ranks sixth-worst among goal production in the league (2.64 GF / GP).

Sam Montembeault
Jordan Binnington will start Tuesday vs. Tampa Bay.

Binnington is coming off a fabulous performance on Saturday, saving 36 of 38 shots (.947 SV%) in an 8-2 victory over the Colorado Avalanche. Binnington has gone through stretches of strong play followed by poor play this season but is currently in the midst of a 2-1-0 run, allowing only seven goals on 108 shots (.935 SV%). The Blues are +109 home underdogs on Tuesday against a Tampa Bay Lightning team eager to get out of a two-game funk where they have been outscored 9-3 (0-2-0).

Jordan Binnington
Connor Hellebuyck will start Tuesday vs. New Jersey.

Hellebuyck allowed three goals on 29 shots (.897 SV%) in the Jets most recent game on Saturday, a 3-2 loss to the Dallas Stars, and will attempt to get back into the win column as he is set to start against the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday. After finishing third in Vezina voting last season, posting a quality start in more than two-thirds of games (68.8%), Hellebuyck has struggled in the 2023-24 season, posting a career-worst 2.98 GAA and .892 SV%, only securing a quality start in approximately one-third of games (38.4%). That said, Hellebuyck and the Jets are -141 home favourites against a New Jersey Devils team that has lost three of four (1-3-0) and continues to be without Jack Hughes.

Connor Hellebuyck
Emil Bemstrom will draw back into Columbus' lineup vs. Pittsburgh.

Bemstrom has only played once in the last five games for the Blue Jackets but will draw back in on Tuesday against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Bemmstrom will suit up on a line with Johnny Gaudreau and Cole Sillinger. In 11 games this season, Bemmstrom has four points (3G / 1A), 19 shots, and a -5 plus/minus rating.

Emil Bemstrom
Dustin Wolf has been reassigned to the Calgary Wranglers (AHL).

Wolf will return to the Calgary Wranglers of the WHL as Jacob Markstrom (upper-body) is set to return from injury. Wolf allowed one goal on 38 shots (.895 SV%) in his only game-action with the Flames, a 4-1 loss to the Ottawa Senators. Before being called up, Wolf posted an impressive 2.34 GAA and .924 SV% in six games (5-1-0) with the Calgary Wranglers.

Dustin Wolf
Elvis Merzlikins will start Tuesday vs. Pittsburgh.

Merzlikins will return to the Blue Jackets' crease on Tuesday after playing very well in a losing effort on Sunday, allowing three goals on 40 shots (.925 SV%), eventually succumbing to the New York Rangers 4-3 in a shootout. Three of Merzlikins' last four starts have been high-quality performances, but has only managed a 1-1-1 record over that span, partially due to the Blue Jackets' lack of goal production (2.73 GF / GP). The Blue Jackets are +159 home underdogs against a Penguins team that is scorching hot, outscoring their opposition 20-5 during a four-game winning streak.

Elvis Merzlikins
Darcy Kuemper (undisclosed) will dress Tuesday vs. Vegas but back up Charlie Lindgren.

Kuemper (undisclosed) will make his return to the Capitals lineup on Tuesday after not dressing for their previous two games but will serve as the backup, likely to Lindgren, who has started two of their last four contests. Kuemper has not played since November 8th and has struggled to find his form this season, posting a 3.07 GAA and .892 SV% through eight games (3-3-2).

Darcy Kuemper
Charlie Lindgren will start Tuesday vs. Vegas.

Darcy Kuemper (undisclosed) will make his return to the Capitals lineup on Tuesday after not dressing for their previous two games but will serve as the backup, likely to Lindgren, who has started two of their last four contests. Lindgren has been dynamite in those two starts, saving 58 of 61 shots (.951 SV%), leading the Capitals to victories in both. The Capitals have points in three of their last four games (3-0-1) but are +137 road underdogs against the top team in the NHL, the Vegas Golden Knights.

Charlie Lindgren
Carter Hart (illness) was back at practice and expected to play Wednesday vs. Carolina.

After missing five games due to an injury and an illness, Hart was a full participant at practice on Tuesday and is expected to be the Flyers' starter on Wednesday. The Flyers went 3-2-0 in his absence behind the goaltending tandem Samuel Ersson and Cal Petersen. Hart has a 2.52 GAA and .913 SV% through eight games this season (4-3-0) and should be a workhorse for the Flyers the rest of the season as long as he can stay healthy.

Carter Hart
Logan Thompson was in the starter's net a Vegas' morning skate.

It appears Thompson will start on Tuesday after serving as the backup for two consecutive games for the Golden Knights. Thompson has not played since November 5th, his longest stretch between games, when he allowed three goals on 22 shots in a 4-2 loss to the Anaheim Ducks. Through six games this season (5-1-0), Thompson has an impressive 2.31 GAA and .923 SV%. The league-leading Golden Knights (12-2-1) are -151 road favourites against the Washington Capitals (7-4-2), who rank 31st in the league offensively (2.31 GF / GP) despite collecting points in three of their last four games (3-0-1).

Logan Thompson
Elvis Merzlikins was the first goalie off the ice at Columbus' morning skate.

Merzlikins will likely return to the Blue Jackets crease on Tuesday after playing very well in a losing effort on Sunday, allowing three goals on 40 shots (.925 SV%), eventually succumbing to the New York Rangers 4-3 in a shootout. Three of Merzlikins' last four starts have been high-quality performances, but has only managed a 1-1-1 record over that span, partially due to the Blue Jackets' lack of goal production (2.73 GF / GP). The Blue Jackets are +159 home underdogs against a Penguins team that is scorching hot, outscoring their opposition 20-5 during a four-game winning streak.

Elvis Merzlikins
Stolarz is expected to start Tuesday in San Jose.

Stolarz will likely start for the first time since November 4th when he allowed four goals on 24 shots (.833 SV%) in a 5-2 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks. In two games this season (1-1-0), Stolarz has a 2.57 GAA and .904 SV% and will look to build on those totals against the league-wost offence of the San Jose Sharks (1.20 GF / GP). The Sharks have already been shut out three times this season, held to fewer than two goals an alarming 12 times in only 15 games (2-12-1). As such, the Panthers enter action as -282 road favourites against the Sharks.

Anthony Stolarz

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!