<p>One of the longest-standing video game franchises is getting a facelift.</p>



<p>On Tuesday, EA Sports announced that <a href="https://www.ea.com/games/nhl/nhl-26"><em>NHL 26</em> will be released on Sept. 12</a>, giving hockey fans around the globe the opportunity to play another edition of a franchise that dates back to 1991.</p>



<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Every move, every shift, every breakout, now backed by real NHL data.<br>ICE-Q 2.0 powered by NHL EDGE brings superstar hockey to life in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NHL26?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NHL26</a>.<br><br>Pre-order to get 7-day early access: <a href="https://t.co/Vh9fVAHFXn">https://t.co/Vh9fVAHFXn</a> <a href="https://t.co/tBGqeaZVCm">pic.twitter.com/tBGqeaZVCm</a></p>— EA SPORTS NHL (@EASPORTSNHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/EASPORTSNHL/status/1953124261612441985?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>



<p>Among the enhancements to this year’s game, ICE-Q 2.0, powered by NHL EDGE data, gives an even more realistic feel to the game compared to previous editions. The real-world data is translated in the game more accurately than ever before, with players being able to utilize players and teams in a whole new way. </p><div class="injected-ad injected-video" data-nn-ad-tech-injection-count="0" data-nn-ad-tech-max-gap="130" data-nn-ad-tech-current-gap="131"></div>



<p>As many gamers have clamored for annually, there are some big changes within the game, especially in Be a Pro. The game mode that has been in some part of the “Chel” franchise since <em>NHL 09</em> will have some new features that are certainly going to intrigue the hardcore followers in the series. New storylines, characters, challenges and cutscenes that will make the experience feel as real as ever before. This is considered by many to be the most significant update to the mode in years.</p>



<p>“NHL 26 is the most true-to-life experience we’ve ever built,” Mike Inglehart, Creative Director at EA Sports, said in a release. “It was created with fans who crave hockey authenticity in mind — the ones who live and breathe the game and know how it should feel. From deeper gameplay detail to the biggest Be A&nbsp;Pro update since NHL 21, everything we’ve done this year is about bringing them closer to the teams they love and the moments that define the NHL.”</p><div class="injected-ad" data-nn-ad-tech-injection-count="1" data-nn-ad-tech-max-gap="130" data-nn-ad-tech-current-gap="168"></div>



<p>Among other changes in the game, goaltending animations are vastly improved. Goalie Crease Control will make goaltenders smarter, making more natural movements compared to previous games. There’s also an expanded set of X-Factors, which amplify a superstar’s abilities in certain moments of the action.</p>



<p>On Monday, EA Sports announced that <a href="https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/teams/florida-panthers/line-combinations">Florida Panthers</a> forward Matthew Tkachuk <a href="https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/panthers-matthew-tkachuk-named-ea-sports-nhl-26-cover-athlete">is the cover athlete</a> for this year’s game, making him the second player in franchise history to be on the cover. The first was goaltender John Vanbiesbrouck, who was on the cover of <em>NHL 97.</em> <span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">In the Deluxe Edition, Tkachuk is joined by his younger brother,&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/teams/ottawa-senators/line-combinations">Ottawa Senators&nbsp;</a>captain Brady, and father Keith. The expanded game will allow pre-orderers to use a 99 overall Matthew Tkachuk. </p>



<p>The Deluxe Edition is available for pre-order now, with gamers being able to start playing on Sept. 5.</p><div class="injected-ad" data-nn-ad-tech-injection-count="2" data-nn-ad-tech-max-gap="130" data-nn-ad-tech-current-gap="138"></div>
