AutoDraft Pro
Get the app

Player news from trusted outlets

NHL News

Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.

Monday, December 8, 2025

Binnington Prioritizes Blues Amidst Olympic Speculation

AutoDraft Pro AI

St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington, a 32-year-old veteran, is firmly focused on his current team despite looming Olympic considerations. Having previously backstopped Canada to a 4 Nations Face-Off title, Binnington acknowledges that some Canadians might be concerned about his recent performance as the Olympics draw closer. However, he emphasizes his commitment to the 'here and now' with the Blues, prioritizing his play and contributions to the team's immediate success over future international aspirations.

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen Gets Road Start vs. Calgary Flames

AutoDraft Pro AI

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen will start in goal for the Buffalo Sabres against Calgary after being the first goalie off during Monday's morning skate. Coming off a road loss to Winnipeg, Luukkonen faces a favorable matchup against the Flames, who rank last in the NHL with 2.33 goals per game. Over his last five starts, he holds a 3-2-0 record with a 2.22 GAA and a .906 save percentage. This start indicates confidence despite his recent loss.

Blackhawks Assign Defenseman Sam Rinzel to AHL Rockford

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Chicago Blackhawks assigned defenseman Sam Rinzel, 21, to their AHL affiliate in Rockford on Monday afternoon. Rinzel, regarded as one of the team's best prospects, is currently in his second NHL season.

Panthers Loan Winger Jack Devine to AHL Charlotte Checkers

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Florida Panthers loaned winger Jack Devine, 22, to the Charlotte Checkers. He skated in six games during his first NHL call-up, failing to record a point but showing positive flashes with his speed and forecheck. Devine averaged 8:26 of ice time and fired six shots on goal. In 13 AHL games this season, he has scored six goals and 12 points, continuing his trend as a top-end point producer at the AHL level.

Hughes Aware of Trade Talks Between Canucks, Devils

AutoDraft Pro AI

Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes acknowledged being aware of his name surfacing in trade discussions between the Canucks and the Devils. Hughes clarified that he has not been involved in any direct calls regarding such talks. Speculation continues regarding the likelihood of Hughes remaining with the Canucks beyond next fall, with discussions also touching on whether the Devils might initiate a trade package to acquire the star defenseman.

Kuemper to Start Monday vs. Utah After Shutout Victory

AutoDraft Pro AI

Los Angeles Kings G Darcy Kuemper will tend the twine for Monday's road clash with Utah, per Zach Dooley. He's coming off a 23-save shutout win over the Blackhawks on Saturday, which ended a three-game losing streak. Kuemper has made 20 appearances through the Kings' first 28 games this season.

Gustavsson Starting Monday in Seattle, Continues Strong Play

AutoDraft Pro AI

Minnesota Wild G Filip Gustavsson will tend the twine for Monday's road game against Seattle, Joe Smith reports. Gustavsson has been effective recently, going 3-1-2 with a 1.94 GAA and .926 save percentage over his last six outings. The Kraken are scoring just 2.54 goals per game this year, ranking second-worst in the league.

Kings' Danault in Trade Talks Amidst Goal-Less Season Start

AutoDraft Pro AI

Los Angeles Kings C Phillip Danault, 32, is reportedly in trade discussions, with both the team and player potentially open to a move, per Elliotte Friedman. Through 28 games this season, Danault has yet to score a goal, recording only five assists. He carries a $5.5 million cap hit with one season remaining after this campaign. The Kings cannot retain salary due to all three retention spots being filled.

Canucks Place Defenseman Jett Woo on Waivers After Injury Recovery

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Vancouver Canucks placed defenseman Jett Woo on NHL waivers Monday, signaling his readiness to begin the 2025-26 season after off-season upper-body surgery. The 25-year-old, a 2018 second-round pick, has yet to make his NHL debut despite eight seasons in the organization. He holds a one-year, two-way contract ($775,000 NHL). In 267 AHL career games, he has 83 points and 332 penalty minutes, including 18 points last season for Abbotsford.

Oilers' Roslovic Expected to Return Around Christmas from Injury

AutoDraft Pro AI

Edmonton Oilers RW Jack Roslovic (undisclosed) is expected to return around Christmas, per Tony Brar. He has been sidelined for just over a week due to the undisclosed injury, which is anticipated to keep him out for approximately a month. Prior to his absence, Roslovic recorded 10 goals, eight assists, eight hits, eight PIM, and seven blocked shots over 23 appearances, averaging 17:20 of ice time.

Pettersson (Upper Body) Unlikely to Play Monday vs. Red Wings

AutoDraft Pro AI

Vancouver Canucks C Elias Pettersson (upper body) is still being evaluated and is unlikely to be in the lineup against the Red Wings on Monday, per Brendan Batchelor. He is poised to miss his second straight game due to the lingering issue, with an update reportedly expected Monday or Tuesday.

Flames Recall Defenseman Hunter Brzustewicz from AHL Wranglers

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Calgary Flames recalled defenseman Hunter Brzustewicz from the AHL's Calgary Wranglers. The 2023 third-round selection has posted 12 points through 22 AHL games this year and collected 32 points across 70 games in his rookie campaign. Brzustewicz, originally drafted by Vancouver, was acquired by the Flames in the January 2024 Elias Lindholm trade.

McAvoy Nearing Return from Face Injury

AutoDraft Pro AI

Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy is back on the ice and progressing towards a return from a face injury. The team is hopeful for his imminent comeback after he was sidelined. Further updates on his exact return date are expected soon as he continues his recovery and rejoins team activities.

Lankinen Set to Start vs. Detroit

AutoDraft Pro AI

Kevin Lankinen was the first goalie off the ice Monday, indicating he will start at home against Detroit. This comes as Lankinen struggles through a five-game losing streak with a 0-4-1 record and 3.48 GAA. He has a 2-6-3 record in 11 games since replacing the injured Thatcher Demko.

Mammoth's Logan Cooley Sidelined Indefinitely with Lower-Body Injury

AutoDraft Pro AI

UTA forward Logan Cooley is out indefinitely after sustaining a lower-body injury. The team has not provided a specific timeline for his return, confirming his indefinite absence from the lineup. This development impacts the Mammoth's roster moving forward.

Craig Smith Retires After 14 NHL Seasons

AutoDraft Pro AI

Former Predators forward Craig Smith has announced his retirement after 14 NHL seasons. Drafted by Nashville in 2009, he played for six teams, recording 220 goals, 232 assists, and 452 points in 987 games. Smith also won a bronze medal with Team USA in 2013 and played in the 2017 Stanley Cup Final with the Predators.

Panthers' Sam Bennett Ignites Offensive Surge in December

AutoDraft Pro AI

Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett has been highlighted as a key fantasy hockey pickup, showing signs of 'heating up' in December. His recent performance has garnered attention, positioning him as a player to consider adding for the upcoming week according to fantasy guides. This indicates a strong offensive trend in his play.

Karel Vejmelka Set to Start Against Kings

AutoDraft Pro AI

Karel Vejmelka was the first goalie off the ice during Monday's morning skate, indicating he will start at home against the Kings. Vejmelka has been in strong form over his last two starts, posting a 2-0-0 record with a 0.50 goals-against average and a .983 save percentage. He faces a favorable matchup against the Kings, who have struggled offensively, averaging just 2.68 goals per game, the sixth-worst mark in the NHL.

Brayden Point Set to Return Monday vs. Maple Leafs

AutoDraft Pro AI

Brayden Point (undisclosed) is slated to return to the Tampa Bay Lightning lineup for Monday's game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Point missed the last seven games due to injury. Prior to his absence, the 29-year-old had recorded three goals and eight assists in 21 appearances this season, averaging 18:52 of ice time. His return is expected in a top-line role.

Calle Jarnkrok Re-enters Maple Leafs Lineup

AutoDraft Pro AI

Calle Jarnkrok will draw back into the Toronto Maple Leafs' lineup for Monday's game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, replacing Nick Robertson. Coach Craig Berube cited the need for an extra penalty killer and Jarnkrok's ability to provide a strong checking line presence as reasons for the change. Jarnkrok has four goals in 18 games this season, while Robertson has struggled recently with only one goal in his last nine games.