It hasn’t been long since the Carolina Hurricanes lifted the 25-26 Stanley Cup. But time waits for no one, and with a new season kicking facing off in October, EA has announced NHL 27 with San Jose Sharks teenage superstar Macklin Celebrini revealed as the game’s cover star, which has been given a September 11 release date for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Fans who pre-order NHL 27 will be able to play on September 4.
Alongside the on-ice action that players love in the NHL series, NHL 27 brings a handful of changes and new additions, including a revamped broadcast experience, authentic gameplay based on team playbooks, and the long-requested Connected Franchise mode. For now, feast your eyes on the reveal trailer.
If you’ve made it this far, you’re keen to know more, so let’s talk about what’s new in NHL 27.
Connected Franchise
The NHL community has been begging EA for years to give them a way to play a league online together – that mode is Connected Franchise. Players can create leagues with 3–32 human-controlled teams, playable on both PS5 and Xbox Series X|S via crossplay. Connected Franchise has been designed to bring the excitement and big moments of the NHL season to life between friends and rivals.
Connected Franchise will give players control over roster management, trades, pickups, drops, lineup decisions, and free agent claims. Upload custom rosters and created teams to use in your league, and league commissioners can keep your league on smooth ice with a host of settings and decision-making abilities.
Authentic Gameplay
Forever searching for the perfect gameplay, NHL 27 brings a level of improved gameplay that extends beyond individual brilliance with the inclusion of NHL EDGE-powered playbooks that capture the on-ice identity of every NHL team. Built on data captured during NHL games, NHL 27’s gameplay will reflect how each team attacks, defends, pressures the puck, and creates scoring chances on the ice. Your AI-controlled teammates will also respond smarter and offer more support around the puck and when on defence.
Revamped Broadcast
In NHL 27, players will hear new voices in the commentary box, with John Buccigross and Darren Pang tasked with calling the games. Broadcasts will also see new camera angles, new scorebugs, overlays, goalie introductions, player callouts, transitions, replay treatments, and graphics inspired by today’s NHL broadcasts.
Home teams will also feel their own fans cheering them on, with authentic goal songs, dynamic arena lighting, mascots, superfans, crowd traditions, jumbotron moments, and team-specific presentations bringing the fan experience to another level.
If you want to know more about what’s new in NHL 27, you can read EA’s blog post here.
As a long-time San Jose Sharks fan, hockey is fun again, and it might be time for me to jump back into the NHL games once again with NHL 27 looking the goods so far.
