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NHL Hockey Player News

Crosby (lower-body) returned to Pittsburgh's practice on Friday in a non-contact jersey.

Crosby did not play in the final two games for Team Canada at the Olympics due to a lower-body injury and has been sidelined since. Crosby is still about two weeks away from his original return timeline, and it's unclear if that has been altered, but his presence at practice is an encouraging sign for a Penguins team battling to return to the postseason. The 38-year-old Crosby is leading the Penguins with 59 points (27G / 32A) through 56 games.

Sidney Crosby
Minnesota has acquired Nick Foligno from Chicago for future considerations.

Minnesota continues to add forward depth ahead of Friday's Trade Deadline, most recently by acquiring Nick Foligno from the Chicago Blackhawks. The 38-year-old Foligno averaged 12:48 time-on-ice and scored 11 points (3G / 8A) in 37 games with Chicago this season.

Nick Foligno
Mangiapane will make his Blackhawks debut on Friday vs. Vancouver.

The Blackhawks acquired Mangiapane from the Oilers along with a conditional 2027 first-round pick in exchange for forwards Jason Dickinson and Colton Dach on Wednesday. The 29-year-old Mangiapane had a disappointing campaign with the Oilers and hopes a fresh start with the Blackhawks will serve him well. He scored 14 points (7G / 7A) in 52 games with the Oilers this season.

Andrew Mangiapane
The Flyers have acquired Jackson Edward and Brett Harrison from the Bruins for Massimo Rizzo and Alexis Gendron.

Edward was drafted by the Boston Bruins in the seventh round of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. The 22-year-old defenseman has yet to play an NHL game and has split time this season between the Providence Bruins (AHL) and the Maine Mariners (ECHL).

Jackson Edward
The Flyers have acquired Brett Harrison and Jackson Edward from the Bruins for Massimo Rizzo and Alexis Gendron.

Harrison was drafted by the Boston Bruins in the third round of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. The 22-year-old has yet to play an NHL game and scored 17 points (8G / 9A) in 46 games this season with the Providence Bruins (AHL).

Brett Harrison
The Bruins have acquired Massimo Rizzo and Alexis Gendron from the Flyers for Brett Harrison and Jackson Edward.

Rizzo was drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes in the seventh round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. The 24-year-old Rizzo has never played an NHL game and has spent the entire 2025-26 season in the ECHL, where he has 22 points (6G / 16A) in 29 games with the Reading Royals.

Massimo Rizzo
The Bruins have acquired Alexis Gendron and Massimo Rizzo from the Flyers for Brett Harrison and Jackson Edward.

Gendron was drafted by Philadelphia in the seventh round of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. The 22-year-old forward has yet to play an NHL game and scored 22 points (10G / 12A) in 47 games this season with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms (AHL).

Alexis Gendron
Myers (trade) is not expected to make his debut on Friday vs. Colorado.

Vancouver held Myers out of the lineup for several games as they anticipated trading the veteran blueliner, which came to fruition on Wednesday in a deal sending him to the Dallas Stars. The Texas-born defenseman averaged 20:13 time-on-ice, recording eight points (1G / 7A), 65 hits, and 91 blocks in 57 games with the Canucks this season. He is expected to make his Stars' debut on Sunday against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Tyler Myers
Bunting (trade) is expected to miss Friday's game vs. Colorado.

The Stars addressed their pre-deadline need for a depth scorer, acquiring Michael Bunting from the Nashville Predators. Bunting has had success in his career playing alongside high-end talent, notably during his time with Toronto when he played with Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews, and could be poised for a top-line role in Dallas with Wyatt Johnston and Mikko Rantanen, who is currently out with a lower-body injury. The 30-year-old Bunting averaged 14:48 time-on-ice and scored 31 points (13G / 18A) in 61 games with Nashville this season. He is expected to make his team debut on Sunday against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Michael Bunting
Oettinger will start vs. Colorado on Friday.

The Stars, second-overall in league standings, are riding a franchise-best 10-game winning streak and will turn to Oettinger to tend the twine on Friday in a showdown against their division rivals, the first-place Colorado Avalanche. The 27-year-old Oettinger was lightly tested in his most recent outing, saving 13 of 14 shots (.929 SV%) in a 6-1 win over the Vancouver Canucks. He has a 1.48 GAA and .927 SV% in two games since returning from the Olympic break (2-0-0). The Stars enter Friday's contest as slight +104 home underdogs against an Avalanche team that has outscored its opposition 12-4 during a three-game winning streak.

Jake Oettinger
San Jose has signed Alex Nedeljkovic to a two-year contract extension wroth $3.0M AAV ($6.0M total).

The Sharks' goalie-of-the-future, Yaroslav Askarov, has struggled at times this season, and the team has been pleased with the support provided by counterpart Alex Nedeljkovic, who has been rewarded with a two-year contract extension. The 30-year-old Nedeljkovic is boasting his most consistent campaign in several seasons, with a serviceable 2.83 GAA and .902 SV% in 26 appearances (11-9-2).

Alex Nedeljkovic
Brink is expected to fly to Vegas and make his Minnesota debut on Friday vs. the Golden Knights.

Minnesota acquired Bobby Brink from Philadelphia for David Jiricek on Friday morning and he is hopeful to make his team debut in the evening against the Vegas Golden Knights. Brink has increased his goal totals in each of his three full NHL seasons and will add some offensive depth to a Minnesota Wild team that is hopeful to make a deep playoff run. The 24-year-old Brink scored 26 points (13G / 13A) in 55 games with Philadelphia this season.

Bobby Brink
Gibson will start vs. Florida on Friday.

Gibson exited Monday's 4-2 win over the Nashville Predators in the first intermission due to an upper-body injury and did not suit up for Wednesday's game against the Vegas Golden Knights. That said, he was back at practice on Thursday and will likely tend the twine on Friday against the Florida Panthers. The 32-year-old Gibson has only lost six of his last 25 games (19-5-1), posting an impressive 2.06 GAA and .925 SV%, leading the Red Wings to a playoff spot over the past two months. The Red Wings enter Friday's contest as -142 home favourites against a struggling Panthers team that extended their losing streak to four games (0-4-0) with a 4-2 loss last night to the Columbus Blue Jackets.

John Gibson
Minnesota has acquired Bobby Brink from Philadelphia for David Jiricek.

Brink has increased his goal totals in each of his three full NHL seasons and will add some offensive depth to a Minnesota Wild team that is hopeful to make a deep playoff run. The 24-year-old Brink scored 26 points (13G / 13A) in 55 games with Philadelphia this season.

Bobby Brink
Philadelphia has acquired David Jiricek from Philadelphia for Bobby Brink.

Minnesota acquired David Jiricek for a hefty price tag last season, but he did not materialize as they hoped and pivoted this season, trading him to Philadelphia for Bobby Brink. The 22-year-old Jiricek has had trouble establishing himself at the NHL level, as evidenced by his zero points in 25 games with Minnesota this season.

David Jiricek
Marchment (lower-body) left Thursday's game vs. Florida and did not return.

Marchment was forced to leave Columbus' victory vs. Florida on Thursday after just 11 shifts and 10:26 TOI due to a lower body injury. Head Coach Rick Bowness mentioned the team would know more on Friday on the extent of the injury. The 30-year-old left-winger has been excellent since joining Columbus in a trade earlier this season, with 10 goals and 17 points in 19 games played.

Mason Marchment
Anaheim has acquired John Carlson from Washington for a conditional 2026 or 2027 1st round pick and a 2027 3rd round pick.

After 17 seasons and one Stanley Cup victory, John Carlson is no longer a member of the Washington Capitals after he was acquired by Anaheim for conditional 2026 or 2027 1st round pick and a 2027 3rd round pick late Thursday. The 36-year-old appeared in 1143 games with the Capitals, picking up 166 goals and 771 points while posting an impressive a +117 plus/minus. He should step right in to a top line and power play role with the Ducks and will make an excellent mentor of budding star Jackson LaCombe.

John Carlson

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!