I think the gameplay needs to be refined:
• Dekes are too easy, puck is like a magnet to the stick.
• Passing is too accurate. I would like to see that if you pass, the puck can jump over the stick and the player receiving the pass will not manage to get the puck under control.
• When player receives a pass, he is not slowing down…the player should slow down to focus on receiving the pass and not to be able to receive the pass in full speed and without any issue and without losing any momentum. Occasionally it can happen, but this is not how hockey works.
• Skating is dumb…it looks like they do not have any skates and the players can easily change direction in full speed without any issue and it looks like those players are some sprinters like Usain Bolt.
• Puck physics shall be changed such it adds more randomness and unpredictability to the game.
• Get rid of those funny collisions when the game stops. Like scoring player colliding to the goalie during the goal celebration etc.
Then there are other smaller things I would improve/add such as:
• Add some physics to the net of the goal. It behaves like it is a wall. Make it move. For example when you hit the side of the goal, the net will move (sorry, I do not know the correct expression for it) and the crowd will stand because they think it is a goal but actually it is not.
• I would add official IIHF tournament mode with official licensed teams.
• I would add to GM mode possibility to start as a manager in lower leagues or in Europe, then as you progress to be invited a as coach of the national team and to receive offers from other teams and possibly to receive invitation from NHL teams.
• Also add some cutscenes or press talk after some important events such as draft, trade or big win or loss.
• Ability to make a speech before the match and during the periods in the locker room.
• The match presentation during breaks shall be more like a TV broadcasts. Commentators commenting some replays, stats etc.
• Some pre-match cutscenes of the fans gathering in front of stadium, chanting, and drinking etc. would be nice too.
• Also, I would like to see that the stadiums are not full of crowds, because not every match is sold out. For example, if you are playing badly, the stadium will be half full. If you are playing well, the stadium will be full or close to full (depending on the general interest of the fans – Toronto will have probably always full stadium of fans as in real life). As well if you bring some superstar to the team, it will raise the interest from the fans increasing attendance on the matches and increasing sales of merch.
• I would add cheerleaders dancing during the intermissions.
• Out of the curiosity I would add a mode called “Be a referee”. It might be fun.
• I would also add “form” element to the players. For example, some player scored multiple goal during last 3 matches, so he has confidence, so his stats would be +5 for instance. Then if the player has lots of minus points in +/- and no goals, assist and many penalty minutes in last 3 matches, he will have -5 to all his stats for instance. This can apply to goalies as well.
These are just suggestions and I know that to implement all of it is not possible in next NHL game.
