- EA SPORTS NHL 26 launches September 12, 2025, on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, featuring Matthew Tkachuk, Brady Tkachuk, and Keith Tkachuk on the deluxe edition cover
- Gameplay features real-world NHL EDGE data, enhancing realism with ICE-Q 2.0, smarter goalies, expanded X-Factors, and lifelike player behaviors and tendencies
- Revamped Be a Pro mode and new HUT Seasons offer deeper career storytelling, offline play options, and seasonal content, with pre-order bonuses and early access available
- Electronic Arts stock (NASDAQ:EA) opened trading at US$164.25
Electronic Arts (NASDAQ:EA) has officially announced the launch of NHL 26, set to hit the ice on September 12, 2025, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S (No Switch 2? Come on). This year’s installment promises to redefine hockey simulation with cutting-edge technology, immersive gameplay, and a cover that celebrates one of the sport’s most popular families.
This content has been prepared as part of a partnership with Electronic Arts Inc. and is intended for informational purposes only.
Gracing the deluxe edition cover is none other than Matthew Tkachuk, fresh off his back-to-back Stanley Cup victories, joined by his brother Brady Tkachuk and their father, Keith Tkachuk. Featuring the trio is intended to represent a generational dream lineup, uniting hockey’s past, present, and future in a tribute to the sport’s enduring legacy.
Real-world NHL EDGE data
In partnership with the NHL, NHL 26 integrates NHL EDGE positional data—the league’s puck and player tracking system—into its gameplay engine. This fuels the new ICE-Q 2.0 system, which brings unprecedented realism to player behavior. Attributes like skating speed, shot power, and signature moves are now informed by actual performance metrics, allowing fans to experience their favourite stars as they truly play.
Smarter goalies, deeper strategy
The newly introduced goalie crease control system enhances netminder responsiveness, with smarter positioning and more natural save animations. Combined with an expanded set of X-Factors, which amplify superstar abilities through unique playstyle animations.
Be a Pro Mode gets a full makeover
The beloved Be a Pro mode has been completely reimagined. Players will navigate a dynamic career path from the World Juniors to the NHL Draft, facing high-stakes challenges, engaging storylines, and cinematic cutscenes. Whether rising from the minors or chasing superstardom, fans will shape their legacy both on and off the ice.
HUT Seasons and offline play expand the experience
Hockey Ultimate Team (HUT) introduces HUT Seasons, a new competitive format featuring ranked matches, team-building mechanics, and the HUT Cup Chase, an offline mode tailored for solo players. Each season will debut new Heroes and Icons cards, celebrating legends of the game with visual upgrades that elevate every moment.
Give 110 per cent
“My dad, Brady and I are all unique and play the way we want to. Sharing the cover of NHL 26 is an extension of that,” Matthew Tkachuk, forward for the Florida Panthers said in a news release. “I’ve always tried to bring my own style to the ice and seeing that captured in NHL 26 makes it feel like it is really me out there.”
“Growing up, Matthew and I dreamed of playing just like our dad,” Brady Tkachuk, captain of the Ottawa Senators, added. “Even now, his influence on how we play and prepare remains huge. It’s an honor to be featured on the cover and having him standing alongside us makes the whole thing even better.”
Pre-order bonuses and early access
Players who pre-order the deluxe edition will receive up to seven days of early access, a 99 OVR Matthew Tkachuk card in NHL 25, 4600 NHL Points, a HUT Starter Choice Pack, and more. EA Play members can jump in early with a 10-hour trial starting September 5.
For full details on editions and pre-order options, fans can visit EA’s official NHL 26 page.
It’s in the game
With headquarters in Redwood City, California, and studios all over the world, Electronic Arts is a digital interactive entertainment company that develops, markets, publishes and delivers games, content and services that can be played by consumers on a range of platforms such as game consoles, personal computers, mobile phones, and tablets.
Electronic Arts stock (NASDAQ:EA) opened trading at US$164.25 and has risen more than 11 per cent since the year began
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