EA Sports NHL 26 Set to Launch September 12, Featuring Historic Tkachuk Family Cover

Vancouver, British Columbia – Electronic Arts (EA) announced today that EA Sports NHL 26 will hit PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S consoles on September 12.Developers are touting the game as the “most authentic ice hockey simulation ever made,” promising a notable leap in realism and gameplay. This year’s cover is especially noteworthy, celebrating the Tkachuk family with a unique “three-headed” design. matthew Tkachuk,star forward for the Florida Panthers,will headline the Standard Edition.The Deluxe edition will feature Matthew alongside his brother, Brady Tkachuk of the Ottawa Senators, and their father, Keith Tkachuk, a celebrated National Hockey League (NHL) legend who played 19 seasons and scored 500 goals.

The Deluxe Edition also includes seven days of early access, providing players with a head start on the action. Additionally, purchasers will receive exclusive bonus content for the popular Ultimate Team and World of Chel modes, enhancing their team-building and online competitive experiences. The game’s price point for the Standard Edition is $69.99, while the Deluxe Edition will retail for $99.99, according to EA’s official website.

Gameplay enhancements center around a complete overhaul of the “Be a Pro” mode. Players will now experience a more immersive journey from rookie hopeful to NHL superstar, complete with a deeper narrative, new characters, and cinematic video sequences. The revamped mode will incorporate key events like the World Junior Championship and the NHL Draft, adding layers of realism and player growth. Ultimate Team will also see ample updates, introducing new “Heroes” and “Icons” – legendary players from hockey’s past – alongside refined team-building mechanics, classified games, and a entirely redesigned offline mode.

Pre-ordering NHL 26 unlocks immediate rewards for NHL 25 players, including a Matthew Tkachuk player card with a 99 overall (OVR) rating, a HUT NHL Player Pack, and two XP Boosts for the World of Chel Battle Pass. EA emphasizes that NHL 26 is specifically designed for dedicated hockey fans, aiming to deliver “the most faithful experience to real hockey ever created.” Creative Director Mike English stated,”Everything we have done this year is aimed at bringing fans closer to the teams they love and the moments that define the NHL.”