NBC/TNT/ESPN/Sn scorebugs and broadcasters
NHL 27 would feel so much more immersive if EA added real broadcast packages and scorebugs from networks like ESPN, TNT, NBC, and Sportsnet. Imagine loading into a game and getting different presentation styles depending on the broadcast partner — unique intros, overlays, scorebugs, replay wipes, intermission graphics, and commentary styles. For example: ESPN games could have the modern ESPN hockey graphics and presentation TNT games could include the darker studio-style broadcast look NBC could return with the classic NHL on NBC presentation fans still miss Sportsnet broadcasts could give Canadian teams authentic Hockey Night in Canada vibes Different scorebugs for national games, rivalry games, playoffs, outdoor games, and Stanley Cup Finals would make every matchup feel unique instead of using the same overlay every game. EA should also bring back the intro-to-game atmosphere from NHL 15-19. Those games made matchups feel important with cinematic opening shots, arena flyovers, crowd hype, starting lineup intros, dramatic music, and broadcast-style presentation before puck drop. The newer games feel too quick and arcade-like when loading into games. Imagine: Full opening montages before rivalry and playoff games Dynamic camera shots of warmups and packed arenas Real broadcast intros depending on the network Stanley Cup playoff intros with louder crowds and playoff energy Outdoor game presentation with unique overlays and commentary Presentation changing depending on game importance Presentation is what makes sports games feel alive. Bringing back the NHL 15-19 broadcast vibe combined with real ESPN/TNT/NBC/SN packages would make NHL 27 feel like an actual NHL broadcast instead of just another game. I know this is very hard to pull off due to licensing and will 99.9% not happen but this I something that will bring back players that stopped playing, even if this happens soon like NHL 27+ it will make me and a lot of people happy.NHL 23 Was The Last Classic NHL Experience
NHL 23 was a simpler, more traditional entry that focused on fast, direct hockey with minimal system complexity. NHL 24 introduced multiple new mechanics—such as the Exhaust Engine (pressure meter), icon-based passing, and timing-based hitting—that added depth but also made the experience more complex and, for some players, more gimmicky. NHL 23 was best for players who wanted a fast, physical, and straightforward hockey experience with classic controls, strong accessibility, and a clear identity. =Core Gameplay= NHL 23 emphasized straight-line speed, quick transitions, and classic dekes. The gameplay felt immediate, fluid, and easy to pick up, with fewer systems interfering with the flow. NHL 24 introduced the Exhaust Engine and revamped Vision Passing, rewarding sustained offensive-zone pressure and more deliberate puck movement. While this added strategic depth, the pressure effects could feel exaggerated and disrupted the natural pace for some players. =Controls and Hitting= In NHL 23, hitting was straightforward and impactful. Players could reliably line up big checks without complex inputs, making defense feel accessible and consistently rewarding. NHL 24 reworked the control scheme, making checking more timing- and animation-based. This added nuance but raised the skill floor—hits could miss more often, and defensive play required greater precision. =Control Schemes and Accessibility= NHL 23 was the last entry to include the NHL 94 control scheme, alongside Hybrid and Skill Stick options. This simplified layout made the game more accessible, especially for newcomers and players with accessibility needs. Starting with NHL 24, EA removed NHL 94 controls and introduced Total Control alongside Skill Stick. This change was controversial—particularly for players who relied on NHL 94 controls—and there was no indication of its return. =Modes, AI, and Systems= NHL 23 stuck to more traditional modes and systems. Franchise AI was simpler, and modes like World of Chel and HUT were more straightforward, with fewer layered progression systems. NHL 24 added the Exhaust Engine system, updated passing mechanics, quickplay features, battle-pass-style progression in World of Chel, improved crossplay support in HUT, and more advanced franchise AI. These additions deepened the experience but also increased overall complexity. =Soundtrack and Audio Identity= NHL 23 had the most cohesive and traditionally “hockey-driven” soundtrack of recent entries. It leaned heavily into hard rock, punk, and metal, creating a focused, high-energy tone that matched its physical gameplay. By comparison, NHL 22 offered more indie and alternative variety. NHL 24 shifted toward a broader, more mainstream mix (pop, electronic, viral tracks). NHL 25 brought some rock elements back but remained more blended. Overall, NHL 23 delivered the strongest and most consistent audio identity, aligned closely with the feel of the game.
Bring NHL Games to Nintendo Switch 2
EA, you've missed out on reaching the largest console gaming audience for eight years. Please do not make the same mistake on the highly capable Nintendo Switch 2. If this new console is getting Madden, with 22 moving players, it can certainly handle 12 moving players in NHL. NHL is my all-time favorite game, going back to the original on Sega Genesis. Don't make me continue to buy PlayStations only for NHL games. Thank you!
Franchise mode
I love playing Franchise mode. One thing that annoys me, that makes me quit every career, is that players no longer have a player photo from the 3rd draft onwards. Sometimes even before. It would be nice, like in Madden or FIFA, if players had a generated image that matched their face.
NCAA/USHL, and other suggestions
Hello! I'm hoping this gets to the right people Long time fan of the series here. I had an idea that I think could make Be A Pro and Franchise Mode a lot more immersive and realistic, and I wanted to share it. One thing that would really elevate the game is adding college hockey and the USHL to the player development system. The real life path to the NHL is rarely straight to the pros. A lot of players develop through junior and college hockey first. Having that pathway in the game would make the journey feel way more authentic. For Be A Pro, imagine starting your career in the USHL, working your way up and committing to an NCAA program based on how you perform. Schools could recruit you during the season, and you could choose where to commit depending on playing time, team prestige, or development opportunities. You could play multiple college seasons, compete in conference tournaments, and even play in something like the Frozen Four before deciding to leave for the NHL Draft or sign with a team. Your draft stock could rise or fall depending on your performance in juniors or college, and you could choose to stay in school longer to develop or leave early to go pro. That kind of system would make the early part of Be A Pro feel like a real hockey journey instead of just jumping straight into the NHL pipeline. For Franchise Mode, adding leagues like the USHL and NCAA would make scouting and drafting much deeper. Teams could scout players over multiple years, watch them develop in college, and decide when they’re ready to sign them. NCAA players could stay in school for several seasons, giving GMs more long term decisions with prospects. It would make the draft feel bigger and more realistic with a deeper prospect pool. Another thing a lot of people in the community have been asking for is bringing the NHL series to PC. There’s a huge hockey gaming audience on PC, and it would open the door to mods, roster sharing, custom leagues, and a lot of long term community support that could really help the game grow. The NHL series already has great gameplay, but expanding the development path and immersion in Be A Pro and Franchise Mode could take it to another level. Just wanted to throw the idea out there. Thanks for continuing to make hockey games for the community.NHL 27 and on Should Build Around 6v6 – Here’s Why
To the NHL Development Team, I am writing this as someone who genuinely loves this franchise and wants to see it grow long term. The gameplay has improved in many ways. Movement feels better and the pace feels better. However, there are competitive balance issues and a larger direction issue that needs attention if NHL 27 is going to grow instead of plateau. This is not a rant. It is a case for where the franchise has real long-term potential. The 6v6 community, which is the most structured and competitive part of the player base, is struggling with specific mechanics. Truculence is a problem. Most serious 6v6 leagues ban it outright. When organized competitive communities self-ban a feature, that is a sign of imbalance. Back Atcha allowing reverse hits to counter poke checks removes defensive skill expression. Hitting should feel like realistic contact such as bumping, angling, and separating from the puck rather than sending players flying every shift. Too many goals slide under goalie pads. Low quality trickle goals are not satisfying to score or defend. Skill based top corner shots should be more viable and rewarding. Competitive players want balance and skill expression, not arcade overrides. The bigger issue is the 6v6 ecosystem being undersupported. Right now, the franchise feels centered around HUT monetization. I understand why, as Ultimate Team generates strong revenue. However, industry data consistently shows that players engaged in organized teams and social groups have significantly higher retention rates than solo players. Multiplayer research shows that players in organized squads stay longer, social identity increases lifetime value, and competitive ladders increase engagement per session. NHL already has this foundation in EASHL 6v6 Clubs, but it has not been fully built out. Bringing back the spirit of GM Connected in a 6v6 League Connected format could change everything. Imagine built in commissioner tools, scheduled games, draft systems, player trades, integrated stat tracking, promotion and relegation between major and minor leagues, smart CPU fills that are actually competent, and a built in social hub similar to Discord. Right now the community builds all of this manually outside the game, which means engagement is happening off platform. If NHL owned that infrastructure, it would increase retention, streaming content, rivalries, community growth, and organic esports pathways. I am not saying remove HUT. However, 6v6 could be monetized in long term ways through custom arenas, goal horns, ice projections, club banners, jersey alternates, league branding packs, arena cosmetic upgrades, and championship prestige cosmetics. Players will pay for identity, especially when it represents their team. The emotional attachment to a club over multiple seasons is stronger than attachment to a temporary card lineup, which creates long term monetization rather than annual reset monetization. Offline modes also need attention. Be A GM and Be A Pro have not meaningfully evolved in years. Offline modes are entry points into the ecosystem, and if offline stagnates, the pipeline shrinks. The NHL franchise does not need to chase arcade shooter energy. It already has something stronger: structured, social, competitive hockey. The 6v6 community is not asking for chaos. We are asking for infrastructure. If you build around 6v6 identity, league systems, and social retention, you will strengthen the entire franchise's long term health.Early NHL 27 Franchise Mode Wish List
EA, please make some much needed changes in your Franchise Mode for 27. It’s one of the most neglected aspects of this franchise, and a **bleep** shame. Here’s a few things I think could be easily done in 27: Enable arena updates like when you go to create a team so you can at least change the scoreboard, center ice logo, and lighting/effects. Enable team rebranding (NOT relocation) where you can change the nickname, mascot, logo, uniforms, colors, etc, in Franchise Mode. This could easily be done as an offseason option similar to relocation option. With that, update the available options for team names (including matching announced names), logos, etc. Update the goalie mask options (including adding the real designs) and get more creative with them. Or at least allow customization like with the rest of the goalie gear. Get all REAL coaches in the game. It’s fine to have created ones of course. And I know there’s some real coaches in the game. But get all the current NHL and AHL coaches in the game so it’s more realistic (just as you have it in the Madden games). When setting up the franchise, put an option to allow us to increase the owners budget for spending. Improve the blog posting to be more realistic. Include non-transactional news on players, teams, and such like you’d see on a TSN or ESPN blog.