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NHL News

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

Friday, November 14, 2025

Auston Matthews Placed on Injured Reserve with Lower Body Injury

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Toronto Maple Leafs superstar Auston Matthews was designated for injured reserve on Friday, November 14, 2025, retroactive to November 11, due to a lower-body injury. Matthews, an elite goal scorer with multiple 60-goal seasons, has a history of injury risk, having missed time in five of his seven seasons and is projected to miss 8-10 games this year. Despite this, he has consistently dominated, winning the Hart Trophy in 2021-22 and the Rocket Richard Trophy in 2020-21. He finished the 2023-24 campaign with 69 goals and 107 points, and is considered a top-tier fantasy asset, often compared to Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.

Juuse Saros Emerges as Oilers Trade Target Amid Goaltending Concerns

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Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros has been suggested as a potential trade target for the Edmonton Oilers, whose inconsistent goaltending has led to calls for an upgrade. While Oilers GM Stan Bowman faces pressure, acquiring Saros would be challenging. The 30-year-old netminder is in the first season of an eight-year contract with a $7.74 million average annual value and a full no-movement clause. Pundits like Jeff Marek (Nov 6) and Allan Mitchell (Nov 10) have discussed the possibility, but the Oilers have limited salary cap room and few trade assets. Frank Seravalli also questioned if Saros' performance is significantly better than Stuart Skinner's or if he has the playoff-winning size. The Predators have given no indication they are considering moving Saros.

Radek Faksa: Traded to Blues, Continues Defensive Role and Faceoff Prowess

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Radek Faksa was acquired by the St. Louis Blues via trade from the Dallas Stars for future considerations. His $3.25 million AAV is noted as not favorable for a bottom-six forward, but he brings stability as a center and penalty killer. Faksa has consistently won over 54 percent of his faceoffs for four straight seasons and previously produced solid offensive numbers, including seven goals and 12 assists in 74 games last year. He is described as a defensive center capable of handling tough assignments, often more appreciated on the ice than in fantasy. Despite winning at least 54 percent of faceoffs in four straight seasons and producing solid offensive numbers, he has had no more than 20 points in four consecutive seasons. His usage and ice time saw a significant drop in 2022-23, with his average ice time falling to 15:46 per game and his power-play time plummeting. He finished the 2022-23 season with five goals, 19 points, and a career-worst minus-20 rating in 77 games. Previously, in 2020-21, he had 14 points and a minus-15 rating in 55 games, playing a more defensive role. He has been Dallas' No. 3 center for five years, playing in all situations and contributing offensively with shorthanded goals and power-play points. Fantasy managers appreciate his physicality, and he has scored at least 10 goals in each of the last four seasons. He is expected to provide consistency and over 100 hits annually in deeper fantasy formats. In 2020-21, with Tyler Seguin sidelined, Faksa may have received more ice time. He has scored 15 goals and 30 points in 81 games in a middle-six role, with a career high in average ice time, but offseason additions pushed him into a checking role. In 2019-20, he scored a career-high 17 goals with a plus-21 rating, playing a solid two-way game with offensive upside. As the 13th overall pick in 2012, he has shown impressive hockey IQ, passing skills, and defensive effort. In 2016-17, he provided 12 goals and 33 points, showing a complete skill set despite lacking elite speed. He began his NHL career with the OHL Kitchener Rangers and Sudbury Wolves, also playing in the AHL. The Stars have high hopes for him, and he was expected to be relevant in fantasy drafts within a couple of years. He has good size and drew comparisons to Jason Arnott.

Jason Robertson: Delivers Three-Point Performance in Dominant 7-0 Victory

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Jason Robertson had a stellar offensive outing, scoring two goals on a team-high seven shots and adding a hit with a plus-3 rating in the Dallas Stars' decisive 7-0 win over the Montreal Canadiens. All three of his points came in the second period as the Stars pulled away. This performance marks Robertson's second consecutive three-point game, and he has now registered points in six of the last seven contests, accumulating three goals and 11 points during this impressive stretch. He is currently signed to a four-year, $31 million contract with the Stars, which began in October 2022.

Casey DeSmith: Records First Shutout of the Season in 7-0 Win

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Casey DeSmith achieved his first shutout of the season, making 24 saves in the Dallas Stars' commanding 7-0 victory over the Montreal Canadiens. DeSmith is characterized as a sturdy backup goaltender with a career 2.81 GAA and .909 save percentage across 165 games with Pittsburgh and Vancouver. The Stars signed him to a three-year, $3 million deal to serve behind Jake Oettinger, with the expectation that he would play 25-27 games per season to keep Oettinger fresh for the postseason. DeSmith and Oettinger are anticipated to form one of the NHL's strongest goaltending duos. In the 2022-23 season, DeSmith struggled with a 15-16-4 record, a 3.17 GAA, and a .905 save percentage in 38 appearances, his worst performance to date. However, he showed improvement after the All-Star break with a .910 save percentage in 16 outings. He was traded from Pittsburgh to Montreal in the offseason and then to Vancouver in September, where he was set to compete for the backup job. Previously, with Pittsburgh, he managed 11 wins, a 2.79 GAA, and a .914 save percentage in 26 games, and even started playoff games before suffering a season-ending injury. He signed a two-year contract with Pittsburgh, locking him in as Jarry's backup through the 2023-24 campaign. DeSmith had previously outplayed Tristan Jarry for starts, earning a 11-7-0 record with a 2.54 GAA and .912 save percentage. He was expected to be the No. 2 option behind Jarry, but his fantasy value was limited. In 2019-20, he was expected to be the backup behind Matt Murray, but Jarry became the starter, and DeSmith took the backup role after not playing in the NHL the previous year. He secured the backup job in Pittsburgh in 2018-19, appearing in 36 games with a 15-11-5 record, 2.75 GAA, and three shutouts, potentially logging 30-35 games due to Murray's injury history. He was considered to be slightly behind Tristan Jarry for the No. 2 job in Pittsburgh in 2018-19, but the competition was open, and he could have seen NHL time due to Murray's injuries.

Alex DeBrincat: Powers Red Wings to Victory with Two Goals and Assist

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Alex DeBrincat continued his strong performance against the Anaheim Ducks, scoring two goals, including the game-winning power-play goal, and adding an even-strength assist in the Detroit Red Wings' 6-3 victory. Since his move to Detroit and reuniting with Patrick Kane, DeBrincat has maintained consistent production, recording 27 goals and 66 points in 82 games with Ottawa in 2022-23, followed by 27 goals and 67 points in 82 games with Detroit last season. He is under contract with the Red Wings for four years at $31.5 million, running through 2026-27, providing stability he hasn't had since his Chicago days. Playing alongside high-end forwards like Dylan Larkin, Lucas Raymond, or Patrick Kane is expected to benefit his production. Fantasy managers should expect a minimum of 25 goals and 65 points, with the potential for 40 goals and 80 points. DeBrincat has two career 40-goal seasons and two seasons with over 75 points. His pairing with Dylan Larkin is anticipated to be mutually beneficial, potentially helping DeBrincat surpass 30 goals and 70 points in 2023-24. Previously with Chicago, he scored 41 goals as a 24-year-old, setting career highs in shots on goal (270) and power-play points (28). Joining the Senators, he was expected to be a high-end fantasy producer alongside players like Brady Tkachuk and Tim Stutzle. In a previous season, he scored 32 goals, trailing only Auston Matthews and Connor McDavid, and displayed chemistry with Patrick Kane, scoring at a 50-goal pace with a career-high 20.6 shooting percentage. He accounted for over 20 percent of Chicago's goals and led the team in power-play and game-winning tallies. With additions to the Blackhawks roster, he was expected to have a deeper supporting cast. DeBrincat struggled in 2019-20 with 18 goals in 70 games after scoring 41 in 2018-19, but his team-leading 10 power-play goals suggested bad luck rather than a lack of talent, with a strong bounce-back season anticipated. As a sophomore in 2018-19, he tied for sixth in the NHL with 41 goals and added 35 assists for 76 points, showing he wasn't a one-trick pony. He was expected to continue his elite fantasy production, potentially exceeding 80 points. As a rookie in 2017-18, he led the Blackhawks in goals (28) and totaled 52 points, playing primarily with Patrick Kane and Nick Schmaltz, and was projected to top 30 goals and 60 points in his sophomore season. He had previously put up significant numbers in major junior hockey, with 167 goals and 165 assists in 191 games, and was expected to start in a top-six role with Chicago, making him an intriguing option in redraft leagues and a must-own in dynasty formats.

Arturs Silovs to Start Friday Amidst Penguins' Goaltending Uncertainty

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Arturs Silovs is slated to start in goal for the Pittsburgh Penguins' Global Series matchup against Nashville on Friday. The 24-year-old goalie, who signed a two-year, $1.7 million contract with the Canucks in July 2024 and was traded to the Penguins in July 2025, has been struggling recently, with a 1-1-3 record in his last five games and a .914 save percentage. With Tristan Jarry sidelined due to a lower-body injury, Silovs may see an increased workload. However, rookie Sergei Murashov is considered the team's goalie of the future and could potentially start on Sunday. Silovs' current season statistics include a 4-2 record with one shutout, a 2.50 goals-against average, and a .916 save percentage.

John Tavares Scores Twice Amidst Maple Leafs' Slump and Early Season Struggles

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John Tavares contributed two goals in the Toronto Maple Leafs' recent 4-3 overtime loss to the Kings, a game where the team surrendered a 2-0 lead in the second period and a 3-2 lead in the third. Despite the team's overall struggles, including their worst start in a decade with eight wins in 18 games, Tavares remains focused on earning success. He acknowledged the team's battle and the increasing difficulty of games, stating, "things are only getting tougher and tougher within our own division, within the league." Tavares emphasized that while there's still a lot of hockey left, the team must not take any game for granted, noting that "the more games that go by there’s less runway." He believes the veteran team knows they haven't consistently performed at their expected level and must work through their current challenges, despite the team's offense ranking fourth in the league.

Simon Nemec Makes History with Overtime Hat Trick and Career-High Minutes

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Simon Nemec etched his name in the record books on Wednesday night, achieving his first career hat trick and a franchise record in the New Jersey Devils' 4-3 overtime victory against the Chicago Blackhawks. The 21-year-old defenseman's remarkable performance included the overtime game-winner, marking his first multi-goal game. Nemec's three goals made him the third defenseman in Devils history to score a hat trick and the sixth player in franchise history to finish one with an overtime winner. He is also the youngest defenseman in the NHL to accomplish both in the same game. Nemec, who has 35 points (9 goals, 26 assists) in 104 career games, has stepped up significantly amid injuries this season, already tallying a career-high four goals in the Devils' 17 games. Head coach Sheldon Keefe praised Nemec's offensive positioning and finishing, joking that he showed the forwards how to score. Goaltender Jacob Markstrom highlighted Nemec's readiness and execution on the game-winning goal. Meanwhile, teammate Arseny Gritsyuk also experienced a career milestone, logging a personal-best 20:39 of ice time and contributing one assist in the same game, playing alongside Jack Hughes and Dawson Mercer. Gritsyuk described the game as a "pleasant fatigue" and expressed enjoyment playing with top players, despite the team having to adapt to injuries by playing with three forward lines for two periods. The Devils, now 12-4-1, are leading the Metropolitan Division and are preparing to face the Washington Capitals next.

Arseny Gritsyuk Logs Career-High Minutes and Contributes Assist in Devils' OT Win

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Arseny Gritsyuk achieved a career-high 20:39 of ice time during the New Jersey Devils' 4-3 overtime victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday. Playing on a shuffled top line alongside Jack Hughes and Dawson Mercer, Gritsyuk recorded one assist and three shots on goal. He expressed satisfaction with his performance and playing time, noting the challenge of playing with three forward lines for two periods due to injuries. Gritsyuk described the experience as a "pleasant fatigue" and enjoyed playing with top players like Hughes and Mercer. This win, fueled by a hat trick from defenseman Simon Nemec, extended the Devils' record to 12-4-1 and kept them atop the Metropolitan Division. Head coach Sheldon Keefe had previously adjusted the forward lines, including Gritsyuk's, in search of improved offensive chemistry. The team now looks ahead to their matchup against the Washington Capitals.

Thursday, November 13, 2025

Anze Kopitar Nearing Retirement, Aims for Strong Finish with Los Angeles Kings

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Los Angeles Kings forward Anze Kopitar, who has announced that this season will be his last, is looking to finish his career strong. Despite his current nine goals being behind his usual pace, Kopitar continues to be a significant offensive presence, averaging 18:35 minutes per game in all situations. Fantasy hockey analysts suggest he is still a valuable contributor and should see his rostered percentage increase. Kopitar's final season is expected to yield a point total in the 60-70 range, making him a player to consider for fantasy rosters.

Vince Dunn Delivers Three-Point Performance, Poised for 60-Point Season

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Vince Dunn recorded a goal, two assists, two PIM, and two blocked shots in Thursday's 5-3 win over the Jets. Following career highs of 14 goals and 64 points in 81 games in 2022-23, he posted 11 goals and 46 points in 59 injury-limited games last season. Dunn is expected to exceed 60 points in 2024-25 if healthy, despite a history of minor injuries. Known for playing with an edge (over 60 PIM), his hit totals are modest. His 2022-23 breakout, featuring 50 assists, 15 power-play points, and a plus-28 rating, solidified him as a top-pairing blueliner and fantasy target. He signed a four-year contract and continues as the Kraken's power-play quarterback, a role maintained since his expansion draft selection from the Blues. Dunn consistently achieved 5+ goals and 20+ points in his early career, including a 35-point breakout in 2018-19, and showed promise with 5 goals and 19 assists in his rookie season.

Jordan Eberle Nets Two Goals, Expected to Rebound to 20-Goal Production

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Jordan Eberle scored two goals on three shots and added two blocked shots in Thursday's 5-3 win over the Jets. Last season, his third in Seattle, he recorded 44 points (12 PP) but missed the 20-goal mark. He's projected for a top-six role and No. 1 power-play unit in 2024-25, expected to return to 20-goal production, potentially with Matty Berniers or Chandler Stephenson. While good for redraft leagues, his long-term fantasy value is limited. Eberle peaked in 2022-23 with 20 goals and 43 assists, including 15 power-play points. His initial Kraken season saw 21 goals but a career-worst minus-28 rating. Acquired in the expansion draft from the Islanders, he has been a reliable second-line winger, amassing 518 points since 2010-20. He signed a five-year, $27.5 million deal with the Islanders in 2019, rebounding from a 19-goal season with a strong playoff showing. Throughout his career with the Oilers, Islanders, and Kraken, Eberle has consistently delivered 20 goals and 40-50 points, often playing alongside elite centers.

Jean-Gabriel Pageau's Short-Handed Overtime Winner Propels Islanders to Third Consecutive Victory

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Jean-Gabriel Pageau delivered a crucial short-handed goal at 3:02 of overtime, securing a 4-3 victory for the New York Islanders over the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday night. This dramatic win marked the Islanders' third consecutive triumph, improving their record to 5-1-1 in their last seven games. Pageau's decisive goal came after a delayed penalty on the Islanders; he gained possession following a defensive zone draw, skated up the ice, and beat Golden Knights goaltender Akira Schmid from the right circle. His heroics capped a comeback effort after Mathew Barzal had tied the game 3-3 late in the third period.

Martin Necas Explodes for Four Points Amidst Offseason Trade Speculation and Expected Statistical Rebound

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Martin Necas delivered a standout performance, erupting for two goals and two assists, along with two hits and a plus-4 rating, in Thursday's 6-3 victory over the Sabres. This strong outing comes after a 2023-24 regular season where he recorded 24 goals and 53 points in 77 games, a decline from his 71-point breakout in 2022-23, which saw drops in assists, power-play points, and goals despite a career-high 3.00 shots per game. He struggled late in the season but found his form in the playoffs with nine points in 11 appearances. The 25-year-old forward has been a prominent name in trade discussions this offseason. Despite the recent dip, Necas is anticipated to improve his statistics in the upcoming 2024-25 season, building on his 2022-23 success where he capitalized on increased shot volume and an expanded power-play role, and avoiding a full regression to his earlier career numbers.

Scott Wedgewood Set to Start Sunday for Avalanche, Career Details Emerge

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Scott Wedgewood is slated to get the home start for the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday against the Islanders, as reported by Ryan Boulding of NHL.com. Wedgewood, who signed a two-year deal with the Predators on July 1, posted a 16-7-5 record, 2.85 GAA, and .899 save percentage with the Stars in 2023-24. He is considered the clear No. 2 in Nashville, behind Juuse Saros and ahead of Yaroslav Askarov, likely limiting him to no more than 20 starts. In 2022-23, he found stability as Jake Oettinger's backup in Dallas, achieving a 9-8-3 record, 2.72 GAA, and .915 save percentage over 21 games. His career includes stints with the Devils, Coyotes, and Stars in 2021-22, and an overall NHL record of 3.05 GAA and .903 save percentage in 24 appearances. While not a standard fantasy option, his stable backup role offers appeal in deeper formats.

Dustin Wolf Achieves First Shutout of Season for Flames in Sharks Win

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Dustin Wolf, the 24-year-old Calgary Flames goaltender, recorded his first shutout of the season on Thursday, stopping all 16 shots in a 2-0 victory over the Sharks. This performance improved his 2025-26 season statistics to 5-10-1 with a 3.03 GAA and an .897 save percentage over 16 starts. Wolf, who signed a seven-year, $52.5 million contract extension with the Flames in September 2025, has historically performed well against the Sharks, holding an 8-1-0 record with a 1.88 GAA and a .923 save percentage in nine career matchups. Despite this positive outing, the Flames will need to play better defensively to secure more wins for Wolf, as they prepare for a tough home game against the Jets on Saturday.

Brad Marchand Hits 1,000 NHL Points Milestone with Two Assists

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Brad Marchand recorded two assists in Thursday's 6-3 win over the Capitals, reaching the significant 1,000 NHL point plateau. In 2023-24, Marchand posted 29 goals and 67 points across 82 contests, marking his ninth consecutive campaign with over 60 points. Despite turning 36 in May, he is still projected for another 20-30 goals and 60-70 points, offering fantasy value with his PIMs (78 last year). His 2022-23 season saw 21 goals and 67 points in 73 games, following double-hip surgery that caused him to miss only seven games. Marchand has a history of suspensions, like a six-game ban in February 2022, and underwent double hip surgery in May 2022. He consistently plays a heavy role on Boston's top-six and top power-play unit, known for his relentless puck pursuit, shifty wheels, and deft hands, often alongside Patrice Bergeron and David Pastrnak.

Kaapo Kakko Exits Thursday's Game with Lower-Body Injury Amidst Career Performance Scrutiny

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Kaapo Kakko exited Thursday's game against the Jets with a lower-body injury and will not return. The 2019 No. 2 overall pick, who signed a one-year, $2.4 million contract, has faced ongoing scrutiny regarding his offensive production in the NHL. His career has been marked by injuries, including missing significant time last season (61 games, 13 goals, 18 points) and a prior leg issue limiting him to 43 games (7 goals, 18 points). Despite a step forward in 2022-23 with 18 goals and 22 assists in 82 games, he's been a healthy scratch in key playoff games. Kakko, often on the third line, has also received top-line opportunities, with projections for a 20-goal, 50-point season if he fully develops, particularly alongside top forwards. His rookie season yielded 10 goals and 23 points in 66 games, and he was once considered the most NHL-ready player in his draft class after a strong season in Finland.

John Gibson Sustains Upper-Body Injury Amidst Long-Term Performance Concerns

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John Gibson, the 31-year-old Detroit Red Wings goaltender, sustained an upper-body injury during Thursday's game and awaits evaluation. Gibson has reportedly sought a trade from Anaheim for two years, but his $6.4 million AAV contract (three years remaining) and inconsistent performance have complicated a move. Despite being paid like a star, his recent seasons have been challenging, including a 13-27-2 record with a 3.54 GAA and .888 save percentage in 46 games last season, and a 74-129-33 record since signing his eight-year deal. His 1.02 GSAx ranked 52nd overall. While the Ducks' defensive struggles contribute, his fantasy value has declined significantly amidst Anaheim's rebuild. Historically, Gibson showed flashes of brilliance, like a .926 save percentage in 2017-18 and a playoff shutout debut in 2013-14. However, he has also dealt with injuries, including a previous upper-body injury in 2014-15. His current outlook remains gloomy, with expectations of finishing in the bottom third of starting goaltenders for GAA and save percentage this season.