April 8, 2025, features a packed NHL slate with top daily fantasy picks for DraftKings and FanDuel. Goalies like Anthony Stolarz are generating buzz due to their exceptional recent performance, while centers such as Evgeni Malkin are showing improvements despite team struggles. The day’s key players include Tage Thompson and Jiri Kulich, both of whom offer significant potential against weaker defenses. Creatively stacking players from high-scoring teams will be crucial for maximizing lineup potential.

Injury reports are shaking things up in the NHL. Anaheim Ducks' goaltender John Gibson missed last night’s game due to a lower-body injury, and defenseman Jacob Trouba was also absent for similar reasons. Meanwhile, Edmonton Oilers forward Trent Frederic made his debut after recovering from an ankle injury, but the Oilers are still grappling with the absence of star player Connor McDavid. His return is tentatively scheduled for mid to late next week, contingent on the team’s performance and standings.

The Minnesota Wild's Jake Middleton is being monitored following a hit that raised concerns about the seriousness of his condition. In Ottawa, Brady Tkachuk's status is uncertain due to an upper-body injury, while Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin returned after missing four games. On a positive note, the Seattle Kraken welcomed back Eeli Tolvanen and Jaden Schwartz from their respective injuries, but the St. Louis Blues are bracing for a potentially significant absence from Dylan Holloway, as reports indicate his injury may keep him out for an extended period. Lastly, the Vancouver Canucks are cautiously optimistic about Elias Pettersson's potential return, despite lingering injury concerns.

The current NHL landscape is seeing several key players dealing with injuries, impacting their respective teams as we head into a crucial part of the season. Rasmus Andersson of the Calgary Flames took a maintenance day, while teammate Aydar Suniev has been working off-ice due to injury concerns. Colorado Avalanche's Jonathan Drouin and Martin Necas missed a recent game due to lower-body injuries, while Dallas Stars' Jamie Benn also sat out with a maintenance issue. The Detroit Red Wings await goaltender Petr Mrazek's return, who needs to practice before rejoining game action.

In Edmonton, Leon Draisaitl left a game early, his third after returning from an undisclosed injury. Meanwhile, the Florida Panthers' Aleksander Barkov is day-to-day with an upper-body injury, though Coach Paul Maurice is optimistic about his recovery timeline. The Nashville Predators have recalled Ozzy Wiesblatt due to injuries to Colton Sissons and Jonathan Marchessault, and goaltender Spencer Stastney is also sidelined. Notably, New York Islanders forward Anthony Duclair is taking time off for personal reflection, following a tough stretch of games. The Ottawa Senators face a similar situation with Brady Tkachuk missing games due to upper-body and hip injuries. Lastly, the Pittsburgh Penguins are getting Evgeni Malkin back into the fold, as they navigate their injury-plagued roster.

Injuries are piling up for several NHL teams as the playoffs approach. Carolina Hurricanes forward Jordan Staal sat out for a second consecutive game due to a lower-body injury, raising concerns about his availability in the postseason. Teammate Andrei Svechnikov left the last match early, though coach Rod Brind'Amour indicated the injury isn't serious. Meanwhile, Hurricanes' William Carrier is on the mend, having skated in a no-contact jersey for two days.

Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk has recently resumed skating, but uncertainty remains regarding his readiness. The New Jersey Devils are also monitoring Dougie Hamilton's progress, as he recovers from knee surgery, with expectations that he may be back by the second round. In New York, Rangers forward Matt Rempe participated in the morning skate after an upper-body injury, while David Kampf and Jake McCabe exited their previous game with injuries. The Pittsburgh Penguins are dealing with Evgeni Malkin, who is traveling with the team but has missed the last three games due to an upper-body injury.