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NHL Hockey Player News

Thomas Chabot(Defenseman)(D)|Ottawa Senators OTT

Injury

Chabot (undisclosed) is doubtful to play Sunday.

Chabot missed Saturday's practice after leaving Thursday's game in Vancouver early. Head coach DJ Smith said that "for now [Chabot] is going to be out for tonight," so consider him a game-time decision but it would be surprising if he plays.

Source:

Ian Mendes 2021-01-31T18:54:08.098Z

Matt Murray(Goalie)(G)|Free Agent FA

Goalie Start

Murray is in the starter's crease at the Senators morning skate.

Source:

Brent Wallace 2021-01-31T18:42:39.764Z

Henri Jokiharju(Defenseman)(D)|Boston Bruins BOS

Line Change

Jokiharju will be a healthy scratch on Sunday.

Source:

NHL.com 2021-01-31T17:57:42.720Z

Matt Irwin(Right Defenseman)(LD)|Free Agent FA

Line Change

Irwin will be back in the Sabres lineup on Sunday.

Source:

NHL.com 2021-01-31T17:57:18.423Z

Kyle Palmieri(Center)(C)|New York Islanders NYI

Line Change

Palmieri listed as a scratch for Sunday's game in Buffalo.

It looks like Mikhail Maltsev will make his NHL debut on Sunday, replacing Palmieri in the lineup. The Devils did not mention any injury news, so Palmieri may be a healthy scratch.

Source:

Heather Engel 2021-01-31T17:51:35.373Z

Mikhail Maltsev(Left Wing)(LW)|Free Agent FA

Line Change

Maltsev was recalled from the taxi squad and will make his NHL debut on Sunday.

Maltsev was a fourth-round pick in 2016 and had 21 points (11G / 10A) in 49 AHL games a season ago. The 22-year-old is expected to skate with Pavel Zacha and Nikita Gusev in his debut.

Source:

Jourdon LaBarber 2021-01-31T17:49:01.060Z

Jesper Boqvist(Center)(C)|New Jersey Devils NJD

Line Change

Boqvist was recalled from the taxi squad and is expected to play Sunday.

Boqvist will replace Nick Merkely, who was sent the other way. Boqvist did not record a point while playing 14:06 ATOI in his first four games of the season.

Source:

Mike Morreale 2021-01-31T17:45:27.584Z

Tage Thompson(Center)(C)|Buffalo Sabres BUF

Line Change

Thompson will come out of the Sabres lineup on Sunday.

Thompson started Saturday's game on the first line with Jack Eichel but was quickly bumped down the lineup. With Thompson coming out, Casey Mittelstadt was promoted from the taxi squad and will draw into the lineup on Sunday.

Source:

Lance Lysowski 2021-01-31T17:43:50.028Z

Casey Mittelstadt(Center)(C)|Boston Bruins BOS

Line Change

Mittelstadt was promoted from the taxi squad and will play on Sunday.

Mittelstadt will suit up for his second game of the season, playing on the first line with Jack Eichel and Victor Olofsson. Mittelstadt had one assist in 10:02 TOI in his first game of the season.

Source:

Lance Lysowski 2021-01-31T17:42:14.098Z

Carter Hutton(Goalie)(G)|Inactive INA

Goalie Start

Hutton led the Sabres onto the ice for warmups.

Source:

Jourdon LaBarber 2021-01-31T17:31:07.190Z

Eric Comrie(Goalie)(G)|San Jose Sharks SJS

Goalie Start

Comrie led the Devils onto the ice for warmups.

Source:

Amanda Stein 2021-01-31T17:30:40.289Z

Ilya Sorokin(Goalie)(G)|New York Islanders NYI

Goalie Start

Sorokin is expected to start Sunday in Philadelphia.

Source:

Andrew Gross 2021-01-31T17:29:42.595Z

Elvis Merzlikins(Goalie)(G)|Columbus Blue Jackets CBJ

Goalie Start

Merzlikins will start Sunday in Chicago.

Source:

Alison Lukan 2021-01-31T17:12:50.281Z

Hunter Miska(Goalie)(G)|Free Agent FA

Goalie Start

Miska will start Sunday in Minnesota.

Source:

Michael Russo 2021-01-31T17:11:55.253Z

Nicolas Beaudin(Right Defenseman)(LD)|Free Agent FA

Injury

Beaudin was added to the COVID-19 protocol list and will not play on Sunday.

Beaudin joins a growing list of Blackhawks in COVID-19 protocol and will keep him out for Sunday's rematch vs. the Blue Jackets. With Beaudin out, Reese Johnson will make his NHL debut.

Source:

Charlie Roumeliotis 2021-01-31T16:55:31.147Z

Ryan Carpenter(Center)(C)|Free Agent FA

Injury

Carpenter was added to the COVID-19 protocol list and will not play on Sunday.

Carpenter joins a growing list of Blackhawks in COVID-19 protocol and will keep him out for Sunday's rematch vs. the Blue Jackets. With Carpenter out, Matthew Highmore will draw back into the lineup.

Source:

Charlie Roumeliotis 2021-01-31T16:54:44.196Z

Matthew Highmore(Center)(C)|Free Agent FA

Line Change

Highmore will draw back into the Blackhawks lineup on Sunday.

Highmore was a healthy scratch for the last two games but will replace Ryan Carpenter, who was added to the COVID-19 protocol list on Saturday. Highmore has no points in four games this season.

Source:

Charlie Roumeliotis 2021-01-31T16:53:11.780Z

Reese Johnson(Center)(C)|Free Agent FA

Line Change

Johnson will make his NHL debut on Sunday.

Johnson was an undrafted free agent who spent last year in Rockford (AHL), picking up four goals and four assists (eight points) in 52 games. Johnson will replace Nicolas Beaudin, who dressed as a No.7 defenseman on Friday but was added to the COVID-19 protocol list on Saturday.

Source:

Charlie Roumeliotis 2021-01-31T16:46:20.957Z

Kevin Lankinen(Goalie)(G)|Vancouver Canucks VAN

Goalie Start

Lankinen will start Sunday vs. the Blue Jackets.

Source:

Charlie Roumeliotis 2021-01-31T16:36:24.995Z

Sam Reinhart(Center)(C)|Florida Panthers FLA

Injury

Reinhart (upper-body) will miss his second straight game.

Reinhart remains day-to-day with an upper-body injury and will miss his second straight game on Sunday. With Reinhart out, Tage Thompson and Jeff Skinner took turns with Jack Eichel and Victor Olofsson.

Source:

Lance Lysowski 2021-01-31T16:35:31.008Z

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!

NHL Player Injury Updates and Recovery Timelines – See all the latest NHL player injury updates, timelines for their return, and impact made on each team.
NHL Waiver Wire Moves and Implications – Check out all the latest moves made on the NHL waiver wire and their implications on the teams involved.
NHL Latest Line Combination Changes – Bringing you every line combination from across all 32 NHL teams, check out the latest NHL line combination changes made ahead of their next tilt.
NHL Player Signings and Contract Details – Your go-to spot during NHL free agency, check out the latest NHL player signings and contract details today.
NHL Roster Changes and Transactions – Looking to see what the latest moves made by your favourite team were? Then check out the latest NHL roster changes and transactions here on DFO.