@65481028154b7c3a See NCAA in general is just built for the single player type life. Where NHL is more of an online community. Think of it like this. You play 1 offline game that is 1 person game played. Then you have us in EASHL playing 6v6 humans so that is 12 human games played. That is a huge chunk of the pie that needs satisfied. Also can't forget the money maker that is HUT that will need changed and such each year to bring those people in because money.
The last NCAA game was 14 so this upcoming one will sell like hotcakes, but then what happens after NCAA 25 and you are probably just essentially as many here call it... buying roster updates for full price. EA had to nail this out of the park because it is them getting back into the college football game and my guess is will sell better than Madden this year.
During an interview last year they talked about GM Connected and the dev said they are looking into it but mentioned Online Franchises also. So my guess would be is Online Franchises becomes a thing then offline Franchise would receive some of that love too.
If you want my guesses what NHL 25 will hold it will be. The Women's Hockey League, HUT makeover to be more like how FIFA is, and gameplay changes that will be ok but nothing revolutionary that people will fall in love with.