Electronic Arts today revealed EA SPORTS NHL 26, scheduled for release on September 12, 2025, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Two-time consecutive Stanley Cup champion Matthew Tkachuk headlines the Deluxe Edition cover alongside his brother Brady and father Keith in a dream lineup bridging ice hockey’s present and past. With real positional data from NHL EDGE (NHL Puck and Player Tracking) powering gameplay through NHL partnership, plus a reimagined Be a Pro mode immersing players in elite-level challenges and thrills, NHL 26 delivers intense, authentic gameplay for global hockey fans.
This year’s cover athletes defy traditional NHL stardom concepts. Matthew Tkachuk—recognized for relentless physicality and skill—earned fans through his mold-breaking approach. By uniting two Tkachuk generations, the cover spotlights a family forging its own path with bold individuality and unwavering competitive drive.
NHL 26 celebrates such individuality. The ICE-Q 2.0 system—fueled by NHL EDGE positional data—sets unprecedented realism standards, making each star truer to real-life counterparts. Real-sport data now informs player attributes and tendencies: skating speeds, shot power, unique behaviors, and signature moves create strategic advantages for devotees. The new Goalie Crease Control System heightens responsiveness with smarter positioning and natural saves. Combined with expanded X-Factors amplifying superstar abilities through signature animations, fans gain deeper connections with athletes whether controlling or facing them.
The fully rebuilt Be A Pro mode gives players total command of their journey from rookie to NHL superstar. New narratives, characters, high-stakes challenges, and cutscenes create unprecedented immersion. From World Juniors tournaments to NHL Drafts and minor-league comebacks, players author legacies both on and off the ice.
New HUT Seasons introduces dynamic competition via revamped team-building mechanics, ranked matches, and offline HUT Cup Chase mode for self-paced play. With each season adding Heroes and Icons cards honoring hockey legends—plus visual upgrades intensifying every moment—players experience heightened depth throughout NHL 26.
Deluxe Edition pre-orders include: seven-day early access, 99 OVR Matthew Tkachuk in NHL 25, 4,600 NHL Points, HUT Starter Choice Pack, and loyalty discounts up to 10%.
EA Play subscribers receive September 5, 2025 early access to a 10-hour trial, 3,000 WOC Coins, Season Pass XP Multiplier Tokens, and 10% off digital EA content including pre-orders, downloads, NHL Points, and DLC.
