Connected Franchise

Hi EA NHL Team,

I’m really happy to see Connected Franchise return in NHL 27, but there is one major issue that currently prevents my friends and me from playing the mode the way we expected.

We are a small group of 3–4 players. We each want to control our own NHL team while the remaining teams are controlled by the CPU, just like in a normal Franchise Mode.

For example, if we control Florida, Boston, Chicago and Edmonton, we would like the other 28 NHL teams to continue functioning normally as CPU-controlled franchises. They should be able to make trades, manage their rosters, sign players and participate in the league just like they do in offline Franchise Mode.

Ideally, Connected Franchise would eventually include:

• CPU-controlled teams alongside human-controlled teams
  • Multiple seasons
  • Player progression, regression and aging
  • Rookie/Entry Draft and draft picks
  • CPU trades and roster management
  • Contracts and free agency
  • Prospects and player development
  • Fantasy Draft

For us, CPU-controlled teams are by far the most important feature.

It is very difficult to organize a league with 32 real players. Being able to create a league with a few friends and have the CPU control the remaining teams would completely change the experience.

Essentially, we would love Connected Franchise to become the regular Franchise Mode experience, but online with friends.

I understand that this is Year 1 of Connected Franchise and that the mode will continue to evolve. I really hope CPU teams and a true multi-season franchise experience are among the highest priorities.

Thank you for bringing Connected Franchise back and for listening to community feedback.