Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Play NHL 26

Hey hockey fans, NHL 26 is finally here! Here’s a top 10 list of all the reasons why you should be playing the latest version of THE hockey game.

NHL 26 has revamped and streamlined X-Factors, carefully curating 28 X-Factor abilities that span five different categories and distinct tiers of impact, differentiating superstars from one another and from the rest of the crowd. From Matthew Tkachuk’s knack for redirecting the puck off deflections earning him the Big Tipper X-Factor, to Connor McDavid’s expertise at creating breakaways with his out-of-this-world speed earning him the Wheels X-Factor, the overhaul has superstars feeling like the real deal.

2. New Goalie Crease Control System

Goaltending has seen some big changes in NHL 26, including 80 new save animations that showcase the variety of ways goalies can make incredible saves. Goalies also have improved save logic and positional awareness, meaning they proactively move to cut off space and anticipate possible shot angles - and real-time reactions mean you won’t have to worry about the goalie getting stuck in an animation before making another save if necessary.

3. Be a Pro Revamped

BAP has received a significant overhaul, including a new core game loop, all-new cutscenes, facial animations, voice acting and more. Your journey now starts in the semi-finals of the World Juniors before hitting the big NHL Draft stage. Have an iconic rookie season, or slack off and get sent to the minors, the choice is yours!

4. Heroes and Icons Level-Up Your Ultimate Team

In HUT, Heroes and Icons have been added this year to HUT Seasons as part of top of the month and mid-month content. Heroes highlight the players who meant everything to a fan base, whereas Icons celebrate the players who shaped the sport itself. From Heroes like Markus Naslund and Zdeno Chara to Icons like Sergei Fedorov and Henrik Lundqvist, these players bring a new level of superstar play to your HUT roster.

5. More Structured HUT Seasons

HUT Seasons now have all-new team-building mechanics, giving more emphasis on team-building strategy. These mechanics include rotating captain themes, line combos, Salary Cap, etc.

• Captains are designed to lead your team each season. At the start of every season, you’ll choose your Captain from a curated pool, a mix of current leaders, past fan favorites, and even future faces of the franchise. They’re built to be functional lineup pieces that support your roster’s identity from day one.
• Combinations are bonuses that activate based on how your lineup is constructed, things like stacking a certain item type, or connecting teammates or nationalities. These bonuses can affect key areas of your team, including boosts to Ability Points, Salary Cap or overall improvements to players when the right pieces come together.
• The new Salary Cap adds another layer to team building by encouraging smarter, more intentional lineup decisions. It’s about making the most of what you have and finding creative ways to build a strong, well-rounded team.

6. New Competitive Structure in Ranked HUT Mode

Ranked is a brand-new competitive mode in NHL 26 designed to make online play feel more structured and rewarding from game to game. Progression through divisions feels clearer, and reward tiers are better defined with more visibility into what you’re earning as you move up. Reaching the Qualification Division unlocks access to HUT Champs, the highest level of Ranked play with the toughest competition and the most exclusive rewards. At the end of each season, the ladder resets, giving you new opportunities to climb while chasing refreshed rewards and new content that flows through the HUT pipeline.

7. New Offline HUT Mode: Cup Chase

Cup Chase is a new offline mode that allows you to play at your own pace. You can choose your difficulty level, earn rewards based on your performance, and set your own path with no leaderboards or randomness based on what other players are doing. It’s a great mode to hop into if you’re new to HUT and want to develop your skills and understanding of the mode.

8. Real-World NHL EDGE Data (via ICE-Q 2.0) Adds New Layer of Authenticity

NHL 26 now uses the same advanced analytics used by NHL teams to inform players’ behaviour on the ice. ICE-Q 2.0, powered by NHL EDGE, ensures superstar players feel like themselves, from their speed, shot velocity, skating patterns, tendencies and more.

9. New Chel Weeks Offer Stacked Content

Brand new to NHL 26, Chel Weeks are limited-time live service programs that spotlight unique themes with new HUT items, challenges and rewards each day. Be on the lookout for the next Chel Week coming in October!

10. Reworked Loadout System in WOC

The Loadout Creator has been reworked for an overall better experience when building your skater. No more boosts, no more archetype-restricted X-Factors and no more absolutely yolked players with stacked abilities with the introduction of AP costs. 

So, what’re you waiting for? Jump in and experience the hype and fun of NHL 26 today!