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NHL News

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

Saturday, November 15, 2025

Dan Vladar Set to Start for Flames, Continuing Comeback from Hip Surgery

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Dan Vladar is slated to guard the road goal against the Stars on Saturday, November 15, 2025. This follows a summer of rehabbing hip surgery, timed for his readiness for the 2024-25 season. Despite a challenging 2023-24 season with the Flames (8-9-2 record, 3.62 GAA, .882 SV%, -10.76 GSAx), he is projected to start as their 1A, mentoring Dustin Wolf. Vladar has shown flashes of capability, including a 14-6-5 record with a 2.91 GAA in 27 appearances in 2022-23. His recent 2025 performances include a 30-save effort in a 2-1 OT loss to the Oilers (Nov 13), a 3-1 win over the Predators (Nov 6), and a 5-4 shootout win against Montreal (Nov 4). Acquired from the Bruins, his fantasy value remains limited without clearer playing-time certainty.

Filip Gustavsson Named Sunday Starter for Wild Following Contract Extension

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Filip Gustavsson is slated to start in goal at home against Vegas on Sunday, November 16, 2025. This assignment comes as the second half of a back-to-back set, with Jesper Wallstedt starting the prior game. Gustavsson, 27, signed a five-year, $34 million contract extension with the Minnesota Wild in October of 2025. So far in the 2025-26 season, he holds a 4-7-2 record with a 3.08 GAA and an .896 save percentage through 13 outings. He will face a Vegas team that currently holds a 7-4-5 record and ranks 14th in the league with 3.19 goals per game.

Petr Mrazek Tending Net for Saturday's Game, Reflecting on Resilient Career

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Petr Mrazek will defend the road net against Minnesota on Saturday, November 15, 2025. Mrazek, who was considered the Blackhawks' MVP in 2023-24 despite an 18-31-4 record, provided crucial leadership. He is signed for two more years and could start 50-55 games. His career has seen various roles and teams, including a challenging 2022-23 season with the Blackhawks (10-22-3, 3.66 GAA) and a difficult 2021-22 with Toronto (3.34 GAA, .888 SV%). Highlights include a strong 2020-21 with Carolina (2.06 GAA, .923 SV% in 12 starts before injury) and establishing himself as Carolina's No. 1 in 2018-19 (2.39 GAA, .914 SV%). His fantasy value is often tied to league scoring settings due to his team's performance and injury history.

Jesper Wallstedt Guards Home Goal for Wild After Strong Recent Performances

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Jesper Wallstedt is expected to start at home against Anaheim on Saturday, November 15, 2025. The 23-year-old goaltender has been in excellent form, winning his past two starts and stopping an impressive 61 of 63 shots for a .968 save percentage. For the current 2025-26 season, Wallstedt boasts a 3-0-2 record with a 2.51 GAA and a .909 save percentage across five outings. He signed a two-year, $4.4 million contract extension with the Minnesota Wild in October of 2024. He will face an Anaheim Ducks team that, despite an 11-5-1 overall record, has recently struggled, losing their past two games and being outscored 10-4.

Joseph Woll Set for Season Debut with Maple Leafs After Conditioning Stint

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Goaltender Joseph Woll, 27, is slated to make his season debut for the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday, November 15, 2025, against Chicago, returning after being away from the team for personal reasons. Woll, who signed a three-year, $10.98 million contract in July 2024, recently completed a conditioning stint with the AHL Marlies. During his two AHL games, he struggled, posting a 3.72 GAA and an .885 save percentage. His return comes as Chicago holds an 8-5-4 record and ranks 10th in goals per game with 3.29.

Troy Stecher Claimed by Maple Leafs from Oilers, Drawing Mixed Reactions

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Defenseman Troy Stecher was officially claimed off waivers by the Toronto Maple Leafs from the Edmonton Oilers, a move that sparked varied reactions among fans and media. Oilers fans expressed frustration over losing the "popular defenseman" and questioned the team's asset management, with some calling the move "lazy." Media figures like Bob Stauffer praised Stecher as a "consummate professional" and "battler," while Kurt Leavins noted he was "clearly the #8" for Edmonton. Mark Spector highlighted Stecher's 566-game NHL career across seven teams, despite his size and low point production. Maple Leafs fans and analysts, including Mike Kelly and @APetrielli, welcomed the "risk-free" acquisition, citing his puck-moving ability, mobility, reliability, and expiring contract as beneficial for Toronto's defensive depth. Stecher, joining his seventh NHL team, is seen as a righty who can improve puck movement.

Frederik Andersen Returns from Concussion, Set to Start for Hurricanes Against Edmonton

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Goaltender Frederik Andersen is expected to start for the Carolina Hurricanes at home against Edmonton on Saturday, marking his return from a concussion. Andersen, 34, has a history of injuries, playing a full season only once in his last four campaigns and just 50 of 162 possible games over the last two years. Despite this, he posted a 13-2-0 record with a 1.82 GAA and .932 save percentage in 16 starts during the 2023-24 season. Known for his strong play on defensively sound teams, Andersen recorded a 35-14-3 record with a 2.17 GAA and .922 save percentage in 52 games in 2021-22, and a 21-11-1 record with a 2.48 GAA and .903 save percentage in 34 appearances in 2022-23. His career save percentage is .915. He previously missed the end of the 2022-23 season and playoffs due to a torn MCL. The Hurricanes' crowded crease with Antti Raanta and Pyotr Kochetkov might limit his starts to around 40 in 2023-24.

Brandon Hagel Unavailable Saturday Amidst Strong Offensive Season and Recent Hot Streak

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Brandon Hagel of the Tampa Bay Lightning is unavailable for Saturday's game against Florida due to an undisclosed injury. This comes after a recent hot streak where he accumulated 11 points in his last seven games, including a goal and an assist on November 8, and two goals and a power-play assist on November 6. He also sustained an undisclosed injury on November 12, playing only three shifts. In the 2023-24 campaign, the 25-year-old winger registered career highs with 26 goals, 75 points, 184 shots, and 19:15 of average ice time. His offensive production has significantly increased since joining the Lightning, and he's expected to maintain a role on the second line with power-play time, making him a mid-round fantasy pick.

Anthony Cirelli Sidelined Saturday with Lower Body Injury; Consistent Two-Way Play Noted

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Anthony Cirelli of the Tampa Bay Lightning will not play against Florida on Saturday due to a lower-body injury. The 27-year-old center is known for his consistent two-way play, elite forechecking, and possession skills, often projected for 36-53 points per 82 games. For the 2024-25 season, he's anticipated to contribute 40-45 points, over 30 PIM, 100 shots, and 60 hits, likely with a positive plus/minus. Despite a past injury history, he has made over 75 regular-season appearances in two of his last three campaigns. A 2015 third-round pick, Cirelli signed an eight-year, $50 million contract and is considered a solid option in deeper fantasy formats.

Victor Hedman to Miss Saturday's Game; Veteran Defenseman Coming Off Rebound Season

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Victor Hedman will miss Saturday's game against Florida due to an undisclosed injury. The 33-year-old defenseman is coming off a strong 2023-24 season where he bounced back with 13 goals and 76 points in 78 games, including 31 power-play points. During the offseason, Hedman signed a four-year, $32 million contract extension and is expected to log significant minutes in all situations for the Tampa Bay Lightning. A Norris Trophy winner and multiple-time nominee, Hedman has consistently been a top-tier fantasy option, with career highs of 85 points in 2021-22 and a Conn Smythe Trophy in 2019-20. He is projected to reach the 70-point mark again in 2024-25.

Andrei Vasilevskiy Starts Saturday Against Panthers After Post-Surgery Comeback Season

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Andrei Vasilevskiy will guard the road goal for the Tampa Bay Lightning against Florida on Saturday. The elite goaltender won 30 games in 2023-24 despite missing nearly two months at the start of the season due to offseason back surgery. He struggled initially upon his return but showed his old form towards the end of the season and used the summer to rebuild strength. Despite his 2023-24 stats (2.90 GAA, .900 SV%) potentially deterring some, Vasilevskiy, a Vezina Trophy winner and Conn Smythe recipient, is expected to return to all-star form. He remains a top goalie pick in fantasy drafts, known for his high volume of games.

Boone Jenner on Injured Reserve, Expected for Camp; Career Defined by Grit, Injuries, and Offensive Flashes

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Boone Jenner was placed on injured reserve for an upper-body injury but is expected to be available for training camp. The Columbus Blue Jackets captain's career is marked by a lengthy injury history, having not played a full schedule since 2016-17, which consistently impacts his fantasy value. Last season, he contributed significantly with 22 goals (second on team), 35 points (fourth), 604 faceoff wins (team-leading 54.7% success rate), and 119 hits. While playing with Johnny Gaudreau, his points per game slightly dipped. Jenner is known for his gritty, two-way style, strong faceoff ability, and physicality, though his hit numbers have declined. His 2015-16 30-goal, 49-point season remains a career high, with his offensive ceiling generally limited. A crucial "glue player" for Columbus, he signed a four-year, $15 million extension and offers a 50-point upside if he can maintain health, a significant challenge given his past.

Red Wings Rookie Emmitt Finnie Confident Amidst Scoring Drought, Praised by Coach McLellan

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Detroit Red Wings rookie forward Emmitt Finnie is experiencing his first prolonged scoring drought in the NHL, having not registered a point since October 25th after a blazing start that included four goals and four assists. Despite being moved down in the lineup from an initial top-line role, Finnie remains positive, stating, "Droughts are going to happen, and I'm just trying to stay positive and confident and just contribute in other ways." He plans to continue playing with an edge, focusing on getting to the net and playing physically, areas where he feels most effective. Head coach Todd McLellan's confidence in the seventh-round draft pick has not wavered, highlighting Finnie's valuable contributions beyond the scoresheet, such as strong skating, forechecking, and drawing penalties, calling him a player with "a lot of assets."

Alex Nedeljkovic Set to Start for San Jose Sharks Against Kraken

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Alex Nedeljkovic is slated to start in net for the San Jose Sharks against the Kraken on Saturday. He began the 2023-24 season as the Pittsburgh Penguins' No. 2 goalie behind Tristan Jarry but took over the starter's role in late March, starting the team's final 13 games with an 8-1-3 record, bringing them within three points of the playoffs. While he made timely saves and boosted confidence, his GSAx was barely above zero. Nedeljkovic is considered a 1B type or a 30-start backup. He was a Calder Trophy finalist two seasons ago with Carolina (15-5-3, 1.90 GAA, .932 SV%) before being traded to Detroit, where his numbers regressed (20-24-9, 3.31 GAA, .901 SV% in 59 games in 2021-22). He was demoted to AHL Grand Rapids last year but returned with improved play (.920 SV% in six games). Despite his past, he's currently locked into a backup role.

Akira Schmid Expected to Start for Golden Knights Against St. Louis

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Akira Schmid, the 25-year-old goaltender for the Vegas Golden Knights, is slated to start on the road against St. Louis on Saturday, November 15, 2025. Schmid will aim to return to the win column after his last two starts saw him go 0-0-2, allowing eight goals on 53 shots for an .849 save percentage. This season, he holds a 6-1-2 record with a 2.67 GAA and an .894 save percentage across nine outings. Schmid signed a two-year, $1.75 million contract with the Golden Knights in July of 2024. The opposing Blues currently have a 6-8-4 record and rank 22nd in goals per game.

Jack Hughes Out Eight Weeks with Finger Injury, Devils Eye Trade Options to Fill Star Center's Void

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New Jersey Devils star Jack Hughes will miss eight weeks after undergoing finger surgery for a "freak accident" suffered at a Thursday team dinner. He is expected to be re-evaluated in six weeks and return around the eight-week mark, likely mid-January. This is a significant blow for the Devils, who are 12-4-1 and leading the Metro Division, especially as Hughes was on pace for 96 points and looked fully healthy. General Manager Tom Fitzgerald is expected to be aggressive in seeking a replacement, as the team's center depth is significantly weakened beyond Nico Hischier. Potential trade targets include Nazem Kadri of the Calgary Flames, Ryan O'Reilly of the Nashville Predators, and possibly Elias Pettersson of the Vancouver Canucks, with salary retention likely needed for Kadri and Pettersson. The goal is to maintain the division lead and potentially boast the NHL's best center depth upon Hughes' return.

Jared McCann Making Progress from Lower Body Injury, Kraken Winger Aims for 30 Goals

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Seattle Kraken forward Jared McCann, who participated in Saturday's morning skate, is making progress from a lower-body injury. McCann, a 2014 first-round pick, is expected to play exclusively on the wing this season due to the Kraken's center depth. After a 40-goal, 70-point career-high season in 2022-23, his production dipped to 29 goals and 62 points in 80 games in 2023-24, largely due to a drop in shooting percentage from 19.0% to 13.4%. Despite this, he has achieved over 50 points in three consecutive seasons since joining the Kraken via expansion. McCann's role is primarily as a top-six finisher and power-play contributor, with penalty-killing ability, and he aims to flirt with another 30-goal campaign. He signed a five-year, $25 million extension in March 2022 and has previously shown versatility playing with top centers like Sidney Crosby.

Kaapo Kakko Week-to-Week with Lower Body Injury, Still Seeking Offensive Breakout

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Kaapo Kakko (lower body) is currently considered week-to-week. The 2019 No. 2 overall pick has yet to consistently deliver on his offensive promise at the NHL level. He missed significant time last season with a lower-body injury, playing just 61 games and recording 13 goals and 18 points, and was a healthy scratch in the Eastern Conference Finals. Despite being mentioned in trade rumors, Kakko signed a one-year, $2.4 million contract and is expected to return to a third-line, penalty-killing role for the Presidents' Trophy winners. He showed improvement in 2022-23 with 18 goals and 22 assists in 82 games, occasionally getting top-line opportunities. While his rookie season was challenging, his defensive play has improved, and there's still hope for a 20-goal, 50-point campaign if his game fully clicks.

Anthony Stolarz Placed on Injured Reserve with Upper Body Injury, Maple Leafs Goalie Faces Setback

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Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz has been placed on injured reserve due to an upper-body injury. Stolarz, who won the Stanley Cup in June and was considered one of the NHL's best backup goalies last season, posted a 16-7-2 record with a 2.03 GAA and .925 save percentage in 27 games. Now with the Maple Leafs, he was poised to share the crease with Joseph Woll and potentially see increased action if Woll faced health issues. The 6-foot-6 netminder has shown impressive numbers throughout his career, including a 12-8-3 record with a 2.67 GAA and .917 save percentage in 28 games with the Ducks. He has a history of injuries, including a torn MCL in 2017-18 and a lower-body injury at the IIHF World Championship, and was previously suspended in the OHL for stick swinging.

Connor Hellebuyck Set for Saturday Start Amidst Contract Year and Postseason Rebound Hopes

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Connor Hellebuyck is slated to start Saturday's road game against Calgary, entering a pivotal season as he plays out the final year of his six-year, $37 million contract signed in 2018. The 31-year-old goaltender is coming off a season where he reached 60 games, secured 37 wins, posted a 2.39 GAA (his best since 2017-18), and recorded five shutouts. However, his postseason was challenging, with a 1-4 record, .864 save percentage, and 24 goals conceded on 177 shots against Colorado. With Laurent Brossoit's departure, Hellebuyck's workload is expected to remain high, potentially exceeding 60 games, with Eric Comrie or Kaapo Kahkonen as backup. Historically, Hellebuyck has been a workhorse, leading goalies in games, saves, and shots faced in 2020-21, and winning the Vezina Trophy in 2019-20 with a 31-21-5 record and .922 SV%. Despite a strong 2022-23 campaign (37-25-2, 2.49 GAA, .920 SV% in 64 games), he "burned" fantasy owners in a prior season with a career-worst 2.97 GAA, highlighting his occasional inconsistency.