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NHL News

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

Friday, November 14, 2025

Thatcher Demko Placed on Injured Reserve After Career Season, Injury History Noted

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Thatcher Demko, the Vancouver Canucks' goaltender, was placed on injured reserve Friday due to a lower-body injury. This follows a career-best 2023-24 season where he finished second in Vezina voting, achieving personal highs with 35 wins, a .918 save percentage, 2.45 goals-against average, and five shutouts, becoming the fifth active netminder to reach 30 wins in 40 games or less. Despite his elite status and technical prowess, Demko has faced recurring injury concerns, including a knee injury and a season-ending injury in 2023-24, and a significant groin injury in 2022-23. Drafted in 2014, Demko has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career, handling increasing workloads and demonstrating potential as an above-average starter, though his ability to manage a heavy workload behind a "somewhat shoddy defense" remains a point of discussion.

Seth Jones Reaches 100 NHL Goals Milestone in Panthers' Dominant Win

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Seth Jones of the Florida Panthers achieved a career milestone, scoring his 100th NHL goal in the team's 6-3 victory against the Washington Capitals. Jones' goal was crucial, putting Florida ahead 5-3 late in the third period. This game was notable for multiple milestones, as teammate Brad Marchand recorded two assists to reach 1,000 career points, and Evan Rodrigues also scored his 100th NHL goal. Sam Reinhart added two goals for the Panthers, who secured a strong win at home with backup goalie Daniil Tarasov making 37 saves.

Evan Rodrigues Scores 100th Career NHL Goal in Panthers' Win Over Capitals

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Evan Rodrigues of the Florida Panthers celebrated a personal milestone, scoring his 100th career NHL goal during the team's 6-3 victory over the Washington Capitals. This achievement came in a game where teammate Brad Marchand also reached his 1,000th career point with two assists, and Seth Jones netted his 100th NHL goal. Sam Reinhart contributed significantly with two goals for the Panthers, who began a stretch of 11 of 12 games at home, despite missing several injured players like Aleksander Barkov and Dmitry Kulikov.

Brad Marchand Achieves 1,000 Career Points with Two Assists in Panthers' Victory

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Brad Marchand of the Florida Panthers reached a significant career milestone, hitting the 1,000-point mark with two assists in his team's 6-3 win against the Washington Capitals. Marchand contributed assists on Seth Jones' goal, which gave Florida a 5-3 lead, and Eetu Luostarinen's empty-netter late in the third period. This achievement brings his career totals to 335 goals and 565 assists across 1,116 regular-season games. The Panthers' victory also saw Sam Reinhart score twice, while Evan Rodrigues and Seth Jones each netted their 100th NHL goals, with backup goalie Daniil Tarasov stopping 37 shots for his first win.

Kaiden Guhle Undergoes Adductor Surgery, Sidelined 8-10 Weeks

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Montreal Canadiens defenseman Kaiden Guhle, 23, underwent adductor muscle surgery on Thursday, November 13, 2025, and is expected to miss 8-10 weeks, with an estimated return around January 8, 2026. The announcement was made by the Canadiens on Friday. His adductor was partially torn on October 16 in Nashville, but the injury did not heal properly, necessitating surgery almost four weeks later. Before the surgery, Guhle had recorded one goal, one assist, five blocked shots, and 16 hits across five games this season. He signed a six-year, $33.3 million contract with the Canadiens in July 2024.

Zach Hyman Nears Season Debut for Oilers After Upper-Body Injury

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Edmonton Oilers left winger Zach Hyman, 33, is expected to make his season debut this weekend against the Carolina Hurricanes after recovering from an upper-body injury sustained in the pre-season. Hyman has been on the long-term injured reserve, which allowed the Oilers to exceed the salary cap by his $5.5-million hit, maintaining approximately $3.24 million in cap space. His return is reportedly the reason for recent roster moves, including placing Troy Stecher on waivers and sending Isaac Howard to the AHL. Last season, Hyman recorded 27 goals and 44 points in 73 games, adding 5 goals and 11 points in 15 playoff contests before another injury sidelined him.

Alex Newhook Out Four Months Following Ankle Surgery

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Montreal Canadiens center Alex Newhook, 24, underwent surgery on Friday, November 14, 2025, to repair a fractured ankle and is expected to be sidelined for four months, with an estimated return around March 17, 2026. This timeline means he figures to be out of action until at least mid-March. It's a significant setback for Newhook, who was enjoying a solid season, accumulating 12 points (six goals, six assists) in 17 games. These numbers put him on pace to potentially exceed the 40-point threshold for the first time in his NHL career. Fantasy managers should anticipate Newhook being placed on injured reserve in the coming days. He signed a four-year, $11.6 million contract with the Canadiens in July 2023.

Evan Bouchard Delivers Three Assists in Loss, Continues Strong Offensive Play

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Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard notched three assists, four shots on goal, and a plus-2 rating in Thursday's 5-4 loss to the Blue Jackets. This performance highlights his consistent offensive contributions. Bouchard had a breakout 2023-24 season, compiling 18 goals and 82 points in 81 games, ranking fourth among blueliners in both categories and third in power-play points with 35. He also achieved career highs in average ice time (23:00), plus-minus (+34), game-winning goals (seven), and shots on goal (220), adding 105 blocked shots and 71 hits. Entering the 2024-25 campaign, Bouchard is considered a top fantasy defenseman, quarterbacking a dangerous Edmonton power play. He took over the power-play quarterback role full-time in 2022-23 after Tyson Barrie's trade, showing potential for a career year with his heavy shot and strong passing skills. Drafted 10th overall in 2018, Bouchard has steadily developed, showcasing NHL-ready size and offensive skills.

Scott Wedgewood Extends with Avalanche After Stellar Start to the Season

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Colorado Avalanche goaltender Scott Wedgewood has signed a one-year contract extension through the 2026-27 season, following a stellar start to the current campaign. Wedgewood has been one of the league's best goaltenders, leading in wins with a 10-1-2 record, boasting a .913 save percentage, and ranking third in goals-against average (2.26) among goalies with over 10 games played. His exceptional play has contributed to the Avalanche's league-leading 12-1-5 record with 29 points. This extension secures his role, raising questions about the future role of top prospect Ilya Nabokov, who was initially considered a potential backup for next season. Wedgewood's consistent performance has solidified his position, with the team recognizing his value before he could reach free agency.

Samuel Ersson Set to Start Road Game Against Blues Amidst Limited Recent Play

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Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Samuel Ersson is slated to start in net against the St. Louis Blues on Friday, defending the road crease. This upcoming game marks his second start in the Flyers' last three outings, despite having seen limited playing time recently. The 26-year-old netminder has been relatively effective when called upon this season, holding a 2-1-2 record with a 3.03 goals-against average and an .866 save percentage. Ersson, who signed a two-year, $2.9 million contract with the Flyers in August of 2023, will look to build on his performance against St. Louis.

Alex Nedeljkovic Returns to Team Roster, Reflecting Complex Goaltending Career

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Alex Nedeljkovic has been added back to the 23-man roster, concluding a period away for personal reasons. His career has seen significant highs and lows, including a Calder Trophy finalist nod and an All-Rookie Team selection with Carolina in 2020-21 after posting a 1.90 GAA and .932 save percentage. However, he experienced a notable regression in his first campaign with the Detroit Red Wings (2021-22), recording a 3.31 GAA and .901 save percentage. This led to him being demoted to AHL Grand Rapids, though he showed improvement upon return with a .920 save percentage in six NHL contests. For the 2023-24 season, Nedeljkovic is slated for a backup role in Pittsburgh behind Tristan Jarry, having previously been traded to Detroit and signed to a two-year, $6 million deal. He finished the 2023-24 season as the Penguins' starter for their final 13 games, leading the team to an 8-1-3 record, though his Goals Saved Above Average (GSAx) was barely above zero. Nedeljkovic is best suited as a 1B or a 30-start backup.

Sam Montembeault Set to Start Saturday, Continues to Exceed Expectations for Canadiens

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Sam Montembeault is scheduled to be the starting goaltender for the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday against Boston. Despite playing behind one of the NHL's worst defenses, Montembeault has consistently exceeded expectations over the past two seasons. In 2023-24, he posted a 16-15-9 record with a 3.14 GAA and .903 save percentage in 41 appearances, ranking 10th best overall with an 18.39 GSAx (goals saved above expected), indicating his strong individual performance. Last year, he had a 16-19-3 record, a 3.42 GAA, and a .901 save percentage in a career-high 40 games. Montembeault has demonstrated enough talent to be an NHL backup and has an open path to the starting job with the Canadiens, potentially serving as a 1A or 1B option. He previously played 38 games for the Canadiens in the 2022-23 season, recording an 8-18-6 record, a 3.77 GAA, and an .891 save percentage, with his role expanding due to injuries to Carey Price and Jake Allen. In 2019-20, he had a 5-5-1 record, a 3.34 GAA, and an .890 save percentage in 14 games for the Panthers, and was slated for a starting role in the minors if Scott Darling won a taxi squad job. Most recently, Montembeault stopped four of six shots in relief on November 14, 2025, and made 21 saves on 25 shots in a loss to Los Angeles on November 12, 2025. He secured a win on November 9, 2025, stopping 25 of 27 shots.

Alex Tuch's Strong Performance Amidst Sabres Struggles Makes Him a Prime Trade Target

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Despite the Buffalo Sabres' significant struggles, including a five-game losing streak and a 5-8-4 record, winger Alex Tuch is performing well and is expected to be a popular trade target. Tuch, a pending unrestricted free agent, has recorded six goals, nine assists, and 15 points in 17 games this season with an even plus/minus rating. His offensive contributions are significant for the Sabres, who are looking to end a 14-year playoff drought. If the Sabres do not improve and Tuch does not sign an extension before the trade deadline, interest in his services from contending teams is anticipated to be very high.

Ivan Demidov Joins Optional Skate Following Canadiens' Loss

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Ivan Demidov was among the players participating in an optional skate following the Montreal Canadiens' significant loss to the Dallas Stars. Demidov, along with Lane Hutson, Oliver Kapanen, and Zachary Bolduc, were on the ice for the skate. No immediate update was provided on Alex Newhook's injury or potential call-ups from the Laval Rocket. Brendan Gallagher and Jake Evans also participated in skills coaching with Adam Nicholas.

Lane Hutson Participates in Optional Skate Following Canadiens' Loss

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Lane Hutson was among the players participating in an optional skate following the Montreal Canadiens' significant loss to the Dallas Stars. Hutson, along with Ivan Demidov, Oliver Kapanen, and Zachary Bolduc, were on the ice for the skate. No immediate update was provided on Alex Newhook's injury or potential call-ups from the Laval Rocket. Brendan Gallagher and Jake Evans also participated in skills coaching with Adam Nicholas.

Jake Evans Joins Adam Nicholas for Skills Coaching Amidst Canadiens Struggles

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Jake Evans was among the first players on the ice for an 11:30 AM practice following the Montreal Canadiens' significant loss to the Dallas Stars. Evans joined skills coach Adam Nicholas for specialized training, focusing on saucer passes, backhand shots, and rebound drills. Evans, in the first year of a four-year contract worth $2.85 million annually, has only two goals this season, one of which was an empty-netter. The extra work may be beneficial as the team seeks offensive production. Lane Hutson, Ivan Demidov, Oliver Kapanen, and Zachary Bolduc also participated in the optional skate. There was no immediate update on Alex Newhook's injury or potential call-ups from the Laval Rocket. Brendan Gallagher also participated in the skills coaching.

Brendan Gallagher and Jake Evans Join Adam Nicholas for Skills Coaching Amidst Canadiens Struggles

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Brendan Gallagher and Jake Evans were among the first players on the ice for an 11:30 AM practice following the Montreal Canadiens' significant loss to the Dallas Stars. Both veteran forwards joined skills coach Adam Nicholas for specialized training, focusing on saucer passes, backhand shots, and rebound drills. Gallagher, who is still seeking his first goal of the season, is in the second-to-last year of his contract and has 239 career goals, ranking 15th in Canadiens history. Evans, in the first year of a four-year contract worth $2.85 million annually, has only two goals this season, one of which was an empty-netter. The extra work may be beneficial as the team seeks offensive production. Lane Hutson, Ivan Demidov, Oliver Kapanen, and Zachary Bolduc also participated in the optional skate. There was no immediate update on Alex Newhook's injury or potential call-ups from the Laval Rocket.

Jean-Gabriel Pageau Scores Overtime Winner as Islanders Defeat Golden Knights

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Jean-Gabriel Pageau scored a short-handed goal at 3:02 of overtime to lift the New York Islanders to a 4-3 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday. This loss marked the Golden Knights' fourth consecutive defeat, concluding their homestand with a 1-3-2 record. Vegas has now fallen into a 2-4-3 skid since October 25th, after starting the season 5-0-2. Shea Theodore, Thomas Hertl, and Reilly Smith scored for Vegas, while Akira Schmid made 20 saves. The Golden Knights struggled on the power play, going 0 for 5, and are now 3 for 34 with an extra skater in their last 10 games, coinciding with Mark Stone's injury. Rookie Braeden Bowman made his NHL debut, landing four shots over 16:45 of ice time and skating on the second line with Tomas Hertl and Pavel Dorofeyev, and also saw time on the first power-play unit.

Kevin Lankinen Starts Against Hurricanes Amidst Increased Playing Time

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Kevin Lankinen is set to start in goal on the road against the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday, November 14, 2025. This marks his fourth start in the Vancouver Canucks' last five games, a stretch of increased playing time attributed to Thatcher Demko's lower-body injuries. Lankinen's recent performance has been mixed, with a record of 1-2-1 over his last four appearances, posting a 3.61 goals-against average and an .884 save percentage. He faces a significant challenge against the Hurricanes, who are third in the league with an average of 3.69 goals per game. Lankinen signed a five-year, $22.5 million contract with the Canucks in February 2025.

Joseph Woll Activated to NHL Roster, Timely Return for Maple Leafs

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Goaltender Joseph Woll was activated to the Toronto Maple Leafs' 23-man roster on Friday, November 14, 2025, following a personal absence. His return is particularly timely as fellow netminder Anthony Stolarz is currently sidelined with an upper-body injury. Woll, who signed a three-year, $10.98 million contract with the Maple Leafs in July 2024, could potentially make his first start of the NHL season as early as Saturday's road game against Chicago, providing a much-needed option in net.