Today, EA SPORTS has officially revealed the official game for the National Hockey League for the 2025-26 season, NHL 26. NHL 26 will release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S on September 15 with pre-orders available now offering seven days early access. The cover of the Deluxe Edition will include a bunch of Tkachuk's. Matthew, who has won back-to-back Stanley Cups with the borderline-dynasty Florida Panthers, along with brother Brady and their father Keith, presents a dream lineup of the past and present. NHL 26 will continue to build upon the ICE-Q Engine and will incorporate NHL EDGE position data to drive the gameplay.

“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,” said Matthew Tkachuk, forward for the Florida Panthers and featured athlete across both editions of this year’s game. “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,” said Brady Tkachuk, captain of the Ottawa Senators. “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.”

“I always told the boys to play hard, be smart, and never lose their personality out there,” said Keith Tkachuk, five-time NHL All-Star. “What you see now is two players with totally unique styles, and I’m proud to be sharing the cover with them.”

NHL 26 Gameplay Updates & Details

For NHL 25, there was also a trio on the cover. This year, however, features champions with the highlight being Matthew Tkachuk, who is inching closer towards the face of the league. The Standard Version of NHL 26 will see Matthew hoisting the Stanley Cup as the cover and is a return to old form for covers for the franchise. NHL 26 will bridge previous technology and introduce new features that will embody the series going forward.

The gameplay system that was introduced last year will be coming back with some deeper assistance. ICE-Q 2.0 will be fueld by NHL EDGE positional data to provide even more realism on the ice. This tracks real-world puck and player movement as it will help to drive player attributes and tendencies. Aspects such as skating speed, shot power, unique behaviors and signature moves will be reflected in the game based on this data.

A new Goalie Crease Control System will improve goaltenders responsiveness and provide better positioning and quicker, more natural saves. Superstar X-Factors are getting an expansion, as well. Be A Pro Mode will be getting a long awaited revamp providing full control of their players. Fresh storylines, new characters and challenges along with added cutscenes will provide a more realistic experience. Playing in the World Juniors to the draft or working from the minors to the NHL will help provide different options.

HUT Seasons will provide a new team-building mechanic along with ranked matches and an offline mode geared towards those who prefer their own pace. The game will include new Heroes and Icons player cards each season. Those who pre-order the Deluxe Edition will receive up to seven days early access, a Matthew Tkachuk 99 OVR in NHL 25, 4600 NHL Points, HUT Starter Choice Pack and more. Loyalty members will also receive 10% off the retail price. EA Play members can enjoy a 10-hour early access starting on September 5 with other rewards including 3,000 WOC Coins and Season Pass XP Multiplier Tokens.