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NHL News

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

Saturday, November 15, 2025

Zach Hyman Activated from LTIR, Set for Return Against Carolina

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Zach Hyman (wrist) has been activated from long-term injured reserve and is slated to return to the Edmonton Oilers' lineup against Carolina on Saturday. Hyman is coming off a career-best 2023-24 season where he finished third in the league with 54 goals in 80 games, fueled by an 18.6 shooting percentage and 290 shots on target. Connor McDavid assisted on 35 of his goals that season. He also registered 15 power-play tallies in back-to-back seasons. While a 75-85 point campaign is projected for 2024-25, a return to the 50-goal milestone is considered ambitious. Hyman previously set career highs with 36 goals and 47 assists in 2022-23, benefiting from a top-six role and top power-play unit. He joined the Oilers in 2021-22 after six years in Toronto, seeking increased usage alongside stars like McDavid and Draisaitl, and has since become a key complementary forward.

Adin Hill Placed on Injured Reserve with Lower Body Injury

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Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Adin Hill has been placed on injured reserve due to a lower-body injury. Hill's health has been a recurring concern, as he has faced injuries for three consecutive seasons, including missing nearly two months mid-season last year. Despite these setbacks, he demonstrated elite potential, dominating the 2022-23 postseason with an 11-4 record, 2.17 GAA, and .932 save percentage in 16 games, leading the Golden Knights to a Stanley Cup. He also started the 2023-24 season with a 14-2-2 run, leading the NHL in early stats. In 2022-23, he posted a 16-7-1 record with a 2.49 GAA and .914 save percentage in 27 regular-season games. Standing at 6-foot-6, 202 pounds, Hill's focus this past summer was on building health to prevent further injuries. He is currently considered to have a slight edge over Logan Thompson for the starting role, though a timeshare is anticipated.

Sabres Captain Rasmus Dahlin Returns to Team After Fiancee's Heart Transplant Recovery

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Buffalo Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin, 25, has rejoined the team ahead of Saturday night's game against the Detroit Red Wings, following a leave of absence to be with his fiancée, Carolina Matovac, in Sweden. Matovac is recovering from a heart transplant after experiencing sudden heart failure last summer. Dahlin described her as an "absolute warrior" who "grinds every day, and she gets better every day." Coach Lindy Ruff noted Dahlin's return provides a "jolt for the team." Despite a distracting season due to his fiancée's health issues, the blueliner has managed nine points in 14 games while logging over 24 minutes per night. Dahlin, drafted first overall in 2018, has anchored the Sabres' defense for years and is two years into his captaincy. In 2023-24, he notched a career-high 20 goals and 59 points in 81 games, co-leading the team in offensive production and accumulating 235 shots, 154 blocked shots, and 195 hits, solidifying his status as a top-10 fantasy defenseman.

Joel Hofer to Start Against Golden Knights After Signing New Contract

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Joel Hofer, the 25-year-old St. Louis Blues goaltender, will patrol the home crease against the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday. This start marks the second half of a back-to-back for the team, following Jordan Binnington's appearance in Friday's shootout loss. Hofer recently signed a two-year, $6.8 million contract with the Blues in June of 2025. He is coming off a 26-save performance in last Saturday's 4-3 overtime loss to Seattle. This season, Hofer holds a 2-3-1 record, having allowed 26 goals on 192 shots across eight appearances. He faces a Golden Knights team that ranks 14th in the league with an average of 3.19 goals per game.

Matt Duchene Ruled Out for Saturday's Game with Upper Body Injury

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Matt Duchene (upper body) has been ruled out of Saturday's game against the Flyers. The 33-year-old center signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Dallas Stars after being bought out by the Predators, then re-signed for another year at the same value. In 2023-24, he recorded 25 goals and 65 points in 80 regular-season games, though his production slowed post-All-Star break and in the playoffs. He's expected to play a second-line role with power-play time, offering a 60-point floor without the pressure of carrying the offense. Duchene's career has seen significant fluctuations, including a career-best 86 points in 2021-22 and a 70-point season in 2013-14, following his selection as the 3rd overall pick in 2009.

Jamie Benn Upgraded to Day-to-Day Status Amidst Upper Body Injury Recovery

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Jamie Benn (upper body) remains on long-term injured reserve but has been upgraded to day-to-day. The 34-year-old forward continues to defy the aging curve, following up a 78-point 2022-23 season with 21 goals and 60 points over 82 regular-season games in 2023-24. He consistently delivers 100-plus hits and strong power-play production. While his offense may eventually decline as he enters his age-35 season, the Stars no longer rely on him to carry the offense, allowing him to contribute alongside younger talent like Wyatt Johnston. Benn, who signed an eight-year extension in 2016, led the NHL in points in 2014-15 with 87 and set career highs with 41 goals and 89 points in 2015-16, establishing himself as a consistent high-percentage shooter.

Dustin Wolf Set to Start for Flames Against Winnipeg After Shutout Performance

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Dustin Wolf will guard the home crease for the Calgary Flames against Winnipeg on Saturday. The 24-year-old goalie is coming off a strong 16-save shutout performance against San Jose on Thursday. This season, Wolf holds a 5-10-1 record with a 3.03 GAA and an .897 save percentage over 16 starts. He will face a Winnipeg Jets team that ranks 11th in the NHL, averaging 3.24 goals per game. Wolf recently signed a seven-year, $52.5 million contract extension with the Flames in September 2025.

Jake Oettinger Set to Start for Stars Against Philadelphia

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Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger will patrol the home crease against Philadelphia on Saturday. The 25-year-old netminder had an "off year" in 2023-24, finishing sixth in NHL wins (35) but barely cracking the top-20 in GAA (2.72) and tying for 25th in save percentage (.905) among goalies with 25 or more starts, with his GSAx dropping significantly. Despite this, Oettinger is considered one of the world's best young goalies, with two All-Star appearances and two top-five Vezina Trophy votes in his three full seasons. He is expected to log 55-60 starts and return to elite form, with Casey DeSmith serving as a sturdy backup. In 2022-23, Oettinger established himself as a full-time starter with a 37-11-11 record, 2.37 GAA, and .919 save percentage over 62 games. Still just 24, his best years are likely ahead, and he is in the second season of a three-year contract.

Leo Carlsson's Dominant Two-Way Play Propels Anaheim Ducks to Division Lead

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Leo Carlsson's emergence as a franchise player has transcended the Anaheim Ducks, who are now leading their division. The 20-year-old top-line center is near the top of the NHL's scoring list, tied for third with Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini. Drafted second overall in 2023, Carlsson has developed into an impactful two-way presence, likened to Aleksander Barkov or Auston Matthews, combining size, skating, and intelligence. His physical pace now matches his defensive intentions, and he excels at carrying the puck, utilizing teammates, and is a lethal dual-threat power forward in the offensive zone with a heavy shot and good vision. Advanced metrics highlight his dominance, with low offensive zone starts (16.7%) and high defensive zone starts (16.9%) among top scorers, alongside a 61% Corsi and 59% Fenwick, and a 56% on-ice expected goals percentage.

Jeremy Swayman Set to Start in Montreal, Riding Four-Game Win Streak

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Jeremy Swayman, the 26-year-old Boston Bruins goaltender, is slated to start on the road against Montreal on Saturday, November 15, 2025. Swayman is currently in excellent form, boasting a four-game winning streak where he has allowed only 10 goals on 128 shots. This season, he holds a 7-4-0 record with a 3.08 GAA and a .900 save percentage through 11 starts. The Bruins' netminder signed an eight-year, $66 million contract in October 2024. His upcoming opponent, Montreal, is looking to rebound after a significant 7-0 loss to Dallas on Thursday.

Stuart Skinner to Start for Oilers in Carolina After Strong Outing

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Stuart Skinner, the 27-year-old Edmonton Oilers goaltender, will be in net for Saturday's road game against the Carolina Hurricanes. Skinner is coming off a solid 20-save performance in Wednesday's 2-1 overtime victory over Philadelphia. This season, he has compiled a 6-4-3 record with one shutout, a 2.75 GAA, and an .889 save percentage across 13 appearances. Skinner signed a three-year, $7.8 million contract with the Oilers in December 2022. He faces a challenging matchup against Carolina, a team that ranks third in the league with an average of 3.71 goals per game this campaign.

Igor Shesterkin Guards Net in Columbus, Contract Talks Loom for Rangers Star

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Igor Shesterkin, the New York Rangers' elite goaltender, will guard the visiting goal in Columbus on Saturday. Known for his consistency and elite results, Shesterkin has been a pivotal force, leading the Rangers deep into the 2022 and 2024 playoffs. Heading into the 2024-25 season, discussions are ongoing regarding a contract extension, with Shesterkin reportedly seeking a deal that would make him the NHL's highest-paid netminder. Despite a 2022-23 season considered a 'down year' (2.48 GAA, .916 SV%, 37-13-8 record), he remained a top-5 goaltender. He previously won the Vezina Trophy and finished third in Hart Trophy voting after a dominant season with a 2.07 GAA, .935 SV%, 36 wins, and six shutouts.

John Gibson to Start Saturday Amid Continued Trade Rumors and Performance Concerns

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John Gibson is slated to patrol the home crease against Buffalo on Saturday. The 31-year-old netminder has reportedly sought a trade from Anaheim for two years, but his $6.4 million AAV contract, with three years remaining, makes finding a suitor difficult. His recent performance has been subpar, including a 13-27-2 record with a 3.54 GAA and .888 save percentage in 46 games during the 2023-24 season, and a 14-31-8 record with a 3.99 GAA and .899 save percentage in 53 contests in 2022-23. Since signing his eight-year, $51.2 million extension in August 2018, Gibson holds an ugly 74-129-33 record. While the Ducks' defense is a factor, his 1.02 GSAx (52nd overall) indicates personal struggles. He is expected to share time with Lukas Dostal, potentially getting around 40 starts this season, and is generally advised to stay on the fantasy wire due to his declining value.

Ullmark Starting for Senators on Saturday Against Los Angeles

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Linus Ullmark will defend the home goal for the Ottawa Senators against Los Angeles on Saturday. The veteran goaltender, who won the Vezina Trophy in 2022-23 with a 40-6-1 record, 1.89 GAA, and .938 save percentage, followed up with a 22-10-7 record, .915 SV%, and 2.57 GAA in 39 starts last season (2023-24). His GSAx rankings (3rd in 2022-23, 8th in 2023-24) highlight his ability to save high-quality shots, positioning him as a potential top-10 NHL goalie this season. Despite a playoff struggle in 2022-23, Ullmark's consistent performance, including a .919 career save percentage, makes him a strong candidate for over 30 wins.

Thompson to Start in Goal for Capitals Against New Jersey

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Logan Thompson will start in goal for the Washington Capitals at home against New Jersey on Saturday. The 28-year-old netminder has a 7-5-0 record this season with a 1.85 GAA and a .923 save percentage across 12 appearances. However, he has struggled recently, losing two of his last three outings and allowing nine goals on 78 shots. While New Jersey ranks eighth in the league with 3.35 goals per game, their leading scorer Jack Hughes (hand) will be absent from the lineup. Thompson signed a six-year, $35.1 million contract with the Capitals in January of 2025.

Greaves Takes Net for Blue Jackets, Making Fourth Straight Start

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Jet Greaves is set to start in goal for the Columbus Blue Jackets at home against the Rangers on Saturday, marking his fourth consecutive start as the team's No. 1 goalie. The 24-year-old netminder currently holds a 5-4-1 record with a 3.00 GAA and an .897 save percentage across 10 starts this season. While the Rangers are 28th in NHL scoring (2.67 goals per game), they have shown better offensive production on the road, scoring 36 goals over 10 games. Greaves signed a two-year, $1.625 million contract with the Blue Jackets in July of 2024.

Matthew Schaefer Makes NHL History with OT Winner, Leads Rookies in Points Amid Injury Scare

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New York Islanders rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer, the No. 1 overall pick, etched his name into the NHL record books on Friday night by scoring his first career overtime winner against the Utah Mammoth. His slap shot 2:08 into the extra session, assisted by Mathew Barzal, secured a 3-2 victory for the Islanders, marking their third consecutive OT win and fourth straight overall. At 18 years and 70 days old, Schaefer became the youngest player in NHL history to score an overtime goal in a regular-season game, surpassing Sidney Crosby's previous record. He now leads all defensemen with seven goals and is tied for fourth in points with 15, the most among all NHL rookies. Despite taking an open-ice hit in the second period and blocking a shot in the third, causing him to limp to the bench, Schaefer returned to play each time, stating he would "suck it up" and prepare for the next game. Backup goalie David Rittich lauded Schaefer as "unbelievable" for his confidence. The Islanders (10-6-2) demonstrated rugged defense and strong penalty killing, squelching five of six Mammoth power-play opportunities, and are set to face Colorado on Sunday.

Emil Heineman Scores First Goal for Second Straight Game in Islanders' Win

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New York Islanders forward Emil Heineman scored in the team's 3-2 overtime victory against the Utah Mammoth on Friday night. He opened the scoring 7:13 into the first period, marking the second consecutive game in which he notched the first goal for the Islanders.

David Rittich Stops 27 Shots, Praises Schaefer in Islanders' Win

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New York Islanders backup goalie David Rittich played a crucial role in the team's 3-2 overtime win against the Utah Mammoth on Friday night, stopping 27 shots, including all 16 after the first period. Despite giving up a power-play goal during a 5-on-3 disadvantage—the first time this season the Islanders allowed a goal with a two-man disadvantage—Rittich's strong performance helped secure the team's fourth straight victory. He also praised rookie Matthew Schaefer, calling him "unbelievable" for his confidence at just 18 years old.

Tony DeAngelo Contributes Two Assists in Islanders' Overtime Victory

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New York Islanders defenseman Tony DeAngelo contributed two assists in the team's 3-2 overtime victory against the Utah Mammoth on Friday night. His performance helped the Islanders secure their fourth straight win and third consecutive extra-time victory.