Any reason why NHL can’t update player profile pics like FIFA does?

I remember that you updated headshot pictures mid season Jan/Feb during a roster update in previous game. Guess was about rookie year of McAvoy but not sure if it was this year. But 100% you did. So for me your argument to wait till next years doesnt hold. Sorry for that.

As you said. Willing to pay extra for real likenesses, goalie masks, equipment, headshot pics, better generic faces to create...... I guess many would pay for this. Not willing to pay for HUT coins or to play this mode, never.

Same as Brad Marchand with the Bruins jersey. Trade was also last year at the trade deadline. 

To add to the point of nhl player photos. Card companies such as Upper Deck. Also have contracts with the NHLPA. Have you ever seen a player card without a pic in any of their cards? And they delve into all players related to the NHL. Whether its a seasoned Pro or draft pick. Its why it is peculiar that EA at times has faceless cards. Who is actually at fault here.

This is what ChatGPT says about missing headshot pictures. And yes I was always right as I said they updated player portraits in a mid season roster update. It was NHL 2017.

ChatGPT

Pre-Production and Release Cutoff. EA creates player profiles, ratings, and portraits months before release (usually spring to summer for a game launching in September/October).Any photos released after that point cannot automatically be included in the launch version.That’s why young prospects, draft picks, or players who get their first official NHL photo in June/July often appear with placeholder images at launch.

EA regularly releases Roster Updates (typically weekly or monthly).

Purpose:

• Add new players to the game

• Update trades and lineups

• Adjust stats and ratings

Portraits are added later once EA receives and processes them.

Example: In NHL 17, McAvoy and Keller received their headshots in a January/February Roster Update, even though the game had already been released months earlier.

Regarding Aljos comment. He may be correct in stating about when and how EA receives photos from the NHLPA. in your reference, that FIFA gives more updated photos during the season, demonstrates the relationship these two sports bodies have with EA. It is obvious, that the EAs NHL franchise, does not have the same sort of contract as Its soccor franchise does. Im sure it all comes down to sales regarding these two games. The best seller gets the better deal. Just another indicator how the NHL game is losing ground.

No, it only indicates that EA prepares the player images for the new game in spring. Images will not be added later, even though the license exists.