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NHL News

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

Thursday, November 13, 2025

Auston Matthews Out with Lower-Body Injury, Could Miss Up to a Week

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Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews is sidelined with a lower-body injury and could miss up to a week of action, coach Craig Berube confirmed on Thursday. Matthews exited Tuesday's game against the Boston Bruins in the second period after a hit from behind by defenseman Nikita Zadorov, not returning for the third. Berube expressed his view that the hit was a penalty. This marks Matthews' first injury-related absence this season, having missed 15 games last year. The three-time Rocket Richard Trophy winner has nine goals and 14 points in 17 games this season. The team will adopt a 'next-man-up mentality' during his recovery, though Berube noted he might return sooner than a week.

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen Benched for Thursday's Game Despite Previous Reports

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Goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, 26, will not start in Thursday's road game against Colorado, contrary to earlier reports. Alex Lyon is now expected to get the nod for the Buffalo Sabres. Luukkonen, who signed a five-year, $23.75 million contract with the Sabres in July 2024, has a 1-1-1 record with a 2.90 GAA and an .877 save percentage in three appearances this season. Despite playing over 50 games in each of the previous two campaigns, he is currently seeing limited action, with Colten Ellis also on the active roster.

Alex Lyon Confirmed as Starting Goalie for Sabres' Thursday Matchup

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Alex Lyon is set to start in goal for the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday's road game against the Colorado Avalanche, as reported by Paul Hamilton of WGR Sports Radio 550. This decision comes after Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was previously expected to start. Lyon has seen recent action, stopping 29 of 33 shots in a November 9th loss to the Hurricanes and 33 shots in a November 5th overtime loss to the Mammoth. He also made 18 saves in an October 31st overtime loss to the Bruins. Lyon had a remarkable 2023-24 season with the Red Wings, posting a 21-18-5 record with a 3.05 GAA and .904 SV% in 44 games, and previously played a key role for the Panthers in 2022-23, going 10-6-2 with a 3.02 GAA and a .908 SV% across 19 games.

Lukas Dostal Set for Third Straight Start Against Struggling Red Wings

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Lukas Dostal, the 25-year-old Anaheim Ducks goaltender, is slated to make his third consecutive start on Thursday, November 13, 2025, guarding the road goal against the Detroit Red Wings. This outing comes after his impressive six-game winning streak was snapped on Tuesday against the Avalanche, where he allowed three goals on 35 shots. The Red Wings, who have struggled recently with only two wins in their last six games and just nine goals scored in that span, present a favorable bounce-back opportunity for Dostal. He signed a five-year, $32.5 million contract extension with the Ducks in July of 2025 and currently holds 2025 season stats of 8 wins, 4 losses, a 2.69 GAA, and a .908 save percentage.

Zach Hyman Expected to Make Season Debut Saturday Following Wrist Injury

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Zach Hyman (wrist) is slated to make his season debut Saturday in Carolina, as reported Thursday by Tony Brar of Oilers TV. The 32-year-old winger is coming off a career-best 2023-24 season where he finished third in the league with 54 goals in 80 games, driven by an 18.6 shooting percentage and a career-high 290 shots on target. Connor McDavid assisted on 35 of his goals, and Hyman netted 15 power-play tallies for the second consecutive season. For 2024-25, he is projected for 75-85 points, though a return to 50 goals is seen as ambitious. Hyman's move to the Edmonton Oilers in 2021-22 after six years in Toronto led to new career highs across multiple categories, including 54 points (27 goals, 27 assists) and 10 power-play points, and he posted 11 goals and 16 points in 16 playoff games during the Oilers' Western Conference Finals run. He is considered an ideal complementary forward, capable of playing alongside stars and contributing on the penalty kill.

Corey Perry's Potential X-Factor Role for Los Angeles Kings Explored

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Veteran forward Corey Perry was a key subject of discussion on a recent episode of The Wraparound podcast, hosted by Emma Lingan, Michael Augello, and Adam Kierszenblat. The panel specifically explored Perry's potential to serve as an X-factor for the Los Angeles Kings during the upcoming season. This segment, occurring at the 7:50 mark of the episode, delved into how Perry's experience and playing style could significantly influence the Kings' performance. The journalists considered his role in the team's dynamics and whether his presence could provide a crucial edge in their pursuit of success.

Shane Pinto's Ottawa Senators Extension Deal Under Scrutiny

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The Wraparound podcast, featuring Emma Lingan, Michael Augello, and Adam Kierszenblat, dedicated a segment to discussing Ottawa Senators forward Shane Pinto. The primary focus of their conversation revolved around the fairness of Pinto's recent contract extension for the Ottawa Senators organization. This topic was introduced early in the episode, specifically at the 0:00 mark, indicating its prominence among current NHL discussions. The journalists analyzed the implications of the deal for both the player and the team, considering its potential impact on the Senators' roster and future financial flexibility.

Rory Kerins Recalled by Flames, Set to Boost Offense Against Sharks

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Forward Rory Kerins has been recalled by the Calgary Flames from the AHL and is set to play against the San Jose Sharks, aiming to provide an offensive spark. Kerins, a 23-year-old 2020 sixth-round pick, has been a consistent producer for the Wranglers this season, tallying 14 points (5 goals, 9 assists) in 13 games, placing him eighth in AHL scoring. He expressed confidence in his game, crediting a strong start. He is projected to skate on a line with Nazem Kadri and Joel Farabee. This isn't his first NHL stint; last season, he recorded four assists in five games with a plus-3 rating. His offensive prowess includes 118 points in his final OHL season and a career-high 33 goals and 61 points with the Wranglers last year. He also scored a game-winning power-play goal and an assist in a preseason victory over Seattle on September 23. The Flames are looking for consistency, and Kerins' creativity and pace offer a legitimate opportunity to secure an NHL spot.

Red Wings Rookie Nate Danielson Reflects on NHL Debut and League Differences

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Detroit Red Wings rookie forward Nate Danielson, the ninth overall pick in the 2023 Draft, made his NHL debut this past Sunday afternoon, becoming the fourth rookie to play for the club this season. He likely would have made the team out of Training Camp if not for an injury. In his debut, he played 15:16, centered the third line, and fired four shots on goal during Detroit's 5-1 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks. Danielson noted the biggest difference between the AHL and NHL is the "fine line" of execution, where mistakes are capitalized on much more quickly in the NHL. He has leaned on advice from veteran teammates for a smooth transition. Before his call-up, Danielson contributed a goal and four assists in five games with the Grand Rapids Griffins this season. In his first full AHL season (2024–25), he scored 12 goals and 27 assists in 71 regular-season games, adding a goal in three Calder Cup Playoff appearances. Head coach Todd McLellan stated Danielson's promotion was due to his strong Training Camp performance and the offensive struggles of some current Red Wings players, hoping he would inject life and offense into the team.

Connor Hellebuyck Set for Thursday Start Amidst Contract Year and Strong Career Performance

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Connor Hellebuyck is slated to start Thursday's game in Seattle, following his usual routine. The 30-year-old (soon to be 31) netminder is entering the final season of his six-year deal and is expected to play over 60 games, accumulating many victories. Last season, he reached 60 games, matched his 37-win total, posted a 2.39 GAA (his best since 2017-18), and recorded five shutouts, though his postseason was challenging with a .864 save percentage. With Laurent Brossoit gone, Hellebuyck's workload may increase, backed by Eric Comrie or Kaapo Kahkonen. A top-tier fantasy goalie, he previously won the Vezina Trophy with a 31-21-5 record and .922 SV%, and in 2017-18, he secured a 44-win season with a .924 SV% before signing his current contract.

Akira Schmid Confirmed to Start Thursday for Golden Knights Against Islanders

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Akira Schmid, the 25-year-old goaltender, is slated to start Thursday's home game against the Islanders. In his last outing, he stopped 25 of 29 shots in a 4-3 overtime loss to Anaheim. This season, Schmid holds a 6-1-1 record with a 2.51 GAA and a .901 save percentage across eight appearances. He signed a two-year, $1.75 million contract with the Vegas Golden Knights in July 2024. The Islanders, his upcoming opponent, currently boast an 8-6-2 record and rank 10th in the league with 3.31 goals per game.

Quinn Hughes Day-to-Day with Undisclosed Injury, Questionable for Friday's Game

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Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes is currently day-to-day with an undisclosed injury, making him questionable for Friday's game in Carolina. The 24-year-old (turning 25 in October) is recognized as one of the NHL's top offensive defensemen, having set career highs in 2023-24 with 17 goals and 92 points in 82 games, marking his third consecutive season exceeding 65 points. Since 2021-22, his 236 points rank among the league's elite blueliners. While his non-offensive stats are modest, Hughes is a premier power-play quarterback, contributing 34 of his 76 points with the man advantage in a previous season. Despite some past defensive refinement concerns, his consistent high-tier point production and potential to flirt with a point-per-game pace solidify his status as a legitimate No. 1 fantasy defender.

John Tavares Elevated to Top Line, Expected to Maintain Hot Streak Against Kings

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With Auston Matthews sidelined for a week, John Tavares has been moved to the Toronto Maple Leafs' top line and is expected to continue his strong offensive play against the LA Kings on Thursday. Tavares enters the game red hot, having scored in three of his last four games and contributing five points. Historically, he has performed well against the Kings, tallying 11 goals and 14 assists for 25 points in his last 24 matchups, including a current four-game point streak and scoring in six of his last eight games against them. While Toronto's offense is potent (third in NHL with 62 goals in 17 games), their defense has struggled, allowing 65 goals. The Kings, known for their strong defensive structure, will face a motivated Tavares looking to spark a bounce-back win for the Leafs.

David Kampf Placed on Unconditional Waivers by Maple Leafs for Contract Termination

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The Toronto Maple Leafs have placed center David Kampf on unconditional waivers, signaling an intent to terminate his contract. If he clears waivers on Friday, Kampf will become a free agent. He is currently in the third year of a $9.6 million deal, earning $2.4 million annually. Kampf began the season with the AHL's Toronto Marlies after being cut from the Maple Leafs' training camp roster by coach Craig Berube. After recording one assist in four AHL appearances, he left the team, reportedly having no interest in remaining in the minors, leading to his suspension without pay. Kampf played four seasons with the Maple Leafs, accumulating 31 goals and 85 points in 301 regular-season games, and was a reliable penalty killer and strong faceoff specialist under previous coach Sheldon Keefe.

Yaroslav Askarov Tending Net Thursday for Sharks Against Flames

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Yaroslav Askarov is set to start in goal for the San Jose Sharks on Thursday, facing the Calgary Flames on the road. The 23-year-old goaltender is currently riding a four-game winning streak, during which he has posted a 1.23 goals-against average and a .963 save percentage. This strong performance follows an earlier part of the season where Askarov struggled with a 4.69 GAA, indicating a significant return to form. Askarov signed a two-year, $4 million contract extension with the Sharks in August 2024. His 2025 stats include a 5-4 record with a 3.29 GAA and .896 save percentage.

Philipp Grubauer Expected to Start for Kraken, Aiming to Reclaim Top Goalie Role

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Philipp Grubauer is expected to start in goal for the Seattle Kraken on Thursday when they host the Winnipeg Jets, as he was the first goaltender off the ice at morning skate. Grubauer's 2023-24 season statistics stand at a 14-16-2 record with a 2.85 GAA and .899 save percentage. However, he played through an injury for much of that period, posting a 5-9-1 record with a 3.25 GAA and .884 save percentage in 17 games. After missing 24 contests with a suspected groin issue, Grubauer improved significantly, going 9-6-1 with a 2.51 GAA and .912 save percentage in 19 outings. He has a six-year, $5.9 million AAV contract with the Kraken. Historically, Grubauer had a strong 2020-21 campaign with career bests in wins (30), GAA (1.95), and shutouts (seven), finishing third in Vezina Trophy voting. His tenure with the Kraken began in 2021-22, where he played 55 games with a 3.16 GAA and .889 save percentage. He also played for the Colorado Avalanche, where he posted an 18-9-5 record with a 2.64 GAA and .917 save percentage in 2018-19, and previously with the Washington Capitals, where he had a 2.35 GAA and .923 save percentage in 2017-18.

Scott Mayfield Welcomes Newborn, Travis Mitchell Recalled by Islanders

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New York Islanders defenseman Scott Mayfield will not play as he and his wife welcomed their first child, prompting the team to recall defenseman Travis Mitchell from Bridgeport of the American Hockey League. Mitchell, who had three assists in 12 games for Bridgeport, will serve as the Islanders' seventh defenseman until Mayfield's return. Mitchell signed a two-year deal as an undrafted college free agent in 2023 after a three-year NCAA stint with Cornell and re-signed this past summer on a one-year, two-way deal worth $775,000 ($100,000 at the AHL level). He has not yet played in an NHL game for the Islanders but was recalled last season during a Western Canada road trip to serve as an extra defenseman when Alexander Romanov was sidelined. Adam Boqvist is also returning to the lineup for the first time since October 30th.

Islanders Recall Travis Mitchell, Scott Mayfield Welcomes Newborn Child

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The New York Islanders have recalled defenseman Travis Mitchell from their AHL affiliate in Bridgeport, where he recorded three assists in 12 games. Mitchell will serve as the team's seventh defenseman while veteran Scott Mayfield is away from the team to celebrate the birth of his first child with his wife. Mitchell, who signed a two-year deal as an undrafted college free agent in 2023 after playing three seasons with Cornell, re-signed with the Islanders this past summer on a one-year, two-way contract worth $775,000 ($100,000 at the AHL level). He has yet to play a game for the Islanders but was previously recalled last season during a Western Canada road trip to serve as an extra defenseman when Alexander Romanov was sidelined. Adam Boqvist is also set to return to the lineup for the first time since October 30th.

Connor Bedard Earns High Praise from Wayne Gretzky, Continues Scoring Streak

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Connor Bedard is receiving significant acclaim, including a compliment from NHL legend Wayne Gretzky, who described him as "absolutely spectacular." Gretzky noted Bedard's ability to handle the pressure of being an 18-year-old on a rebuilding team and his hard work in the offseason. Gretzky also believes Bedard is earning his spot on Team Canada. Bedard recently scored the Blackhawks' first goal in their overtime loss to the New Jersey Devils, extending his streak to points in nine straight games and goals in four straight. With 26 points, he is tied for second in NHL scoring. Gretzky compared Bedard's playmaking to a Larry Bird no-look pass. Bedard's performance has garnered national attention, with upcoming coverage on Hockey Night in Canada.

Ryan Strome Set for Season Debut with Ducks Amidst Career Analysis

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Ryan Strome is slated to make his season debut for the Anaheim Ducks against the Red Wings on Thursday, recovering from an upper-body injury. Strome, who signed a five-year, $25 million contract in July 2022, has had back-to-back 41-point seasons with the Ducks. His production in 2023-24 saw a dip in goals and shooting percentage compared to previous years, with a significant drop from his career average. Despite a promising start to the 2023-24 season, scoring droughts became an issue. Historically, Strome resurrected his career with the Rangers, achieving 162 points in 200 games from 2019-20 through 2021-22, often playing alongside Artemi Panarin and excelling on the power play. His move to Anaheim followed the Rangers targeting Vincent Trocheck. While his first season with Anaheim wasn't a disaster, projections suggest he might reach around 50 points in 2024-25, potentially playing on the second line with Mason McTavish. His career has seen significant shifts, including a trade from Edmonton to New York in 2018, and past seasons have shown him to be a regression candidate, with his production often linked to linemates like Panarin. He has also been noted for his streaky play and has a history of being a middle-six forward with potential for 40-point seasons, making him a waiver-wire consideration during offensive surges.