Gaudreau setting?

To the EA Sports NHL Team,

I wanted to share an idea that I believe captures something special about hockey—and about what your games can continue to represent.

I’d love to see a “Gaudreau setting” in future NHL titles. Not a gimmick, but a philosophy baked into gameplay. A mode or setting where success isn’t about crushing hits, constant penalties, or brute force—but about vision, creativity, timing, and turning small openings into brilliant plays. The kind of hockey where anticipation, skill, and hockey IQ matter most.

Johnny Gaudreau embodies that side of the game. He’s proof that you don’t have to overpower opponents to dominate—you can outthink them, outmaneuver them, and elevate everyone around you. Goals, assists, smart decisions… and respect for the game.

With Team USA winning Olympic gold and players taking the time afterward to go celebrate with the young Gaudreau kids, it was a powerful reminder of what’s right with hockey. Skill. Humility. Community. Role models who show that greatness isn’t just measured on the scoreboard, but in how the game is played and shared.

That’s the side of hockey that deserves to be exemplified at the highest level—especially in a game that introduces new fans and young players to the sport.

A “Gaudreau setting” could reward:

• Creative puck movement
• Smart positioning and anticipation
• Making teammates better
• Turning high-IQ opportunities into special moments

Not every hockey fan wants to play as the biggest hitter on the ice. Some of us want to play the game beautifully.

Thanks for continuing to push the sport forward. Hockey is at its best when skill, creativity, and character are front and center.

Change my mind, 

🇨🇦 🏒 🇺🇸 

TGIF!