NHL 27 Connected Franchise asymmetric team control
Will NHL 27’s Connected Franchise support asymmetric team control? What I mean is: I manage Minnesota and my dad manages Colorado, but when I play Minnesota vs New York, my dad can take control of New York. And when my dad plays Colorado vs Dallas, I can take control of Dallas. Will there be a feature that allows players in the same Connected Franchise to manually take over CPU‑controlled opponent teams in each other’s games? Also, any chance it will be available from 2 players only? I've been waiting to play online franchise with my dad for ages now. We live in different countries with no chance to see each other on daily basis and we just wish to finally play with each other a regular season online. Thank you 💚
Connected franchise
Hi, I would like to know, why the team of NHL 27 cannot talk with the team of Madden to have the framework of their connected Franchise ? You will save a bunch of time with a system who got in place since many years. Why complicated things when you have the model, who need some adjustments for the reality of the sport , but at least that can surely help you. Because the current model without the CPU, I think the people including me, will quit the mode after not so long. If NHL Franchise Mode is built using the same structural frame as Madden’s Connected Franchise. That's will provides a complete seasonal progression loop, robust roster and contract systems, player development pathways, scouting and drafting logic, weekly preparation tools, commissioner controls, and multi‑user league functionality. By leveraging this foundation, the mode delivers a stable, scalable, and deeply immersive management experience tailored to the NHL. I have a idea for a Preseason who will be meaningful. Preseason System Preseason Roster Rules Full contract access — All players under contract are eligible to join the NHL roster at the start of preseason. UFA tryout invitations — Teams may invite unsigned free agents to training camp on professional tryout agreements. Progressive roster cuts — Teams must reduce their roster after each preseason game: After Game 1 → 40 players max After Game 2 → 32 players max After Game 3 → 27 players max After Game 4 → Final roster: 23 skaters + 3 goalies This structure mirrors real NHL training camps and forces strategic evaluation of prospects, depth players, and veterans. Veteran Participation Limits Veteran game cap — Players with 100+ NHL games played may appear in maximum 2 preseason games. Design Intent: Reduce injury risk for established veterans. Encourage teams to evaluate prospects against NHL‑level competition. Increase authenticity in preseason lineup construction. CHL Prospect Rules (U‑20 North America) CHL preseason eligibility — U‑20 CHL players may participate in preseason games. CHL reassignment restriction — If cut from camp: They cannot be assigned to the AHL. They must return to their CHL club. Rationale: Reflects the real NHL‑CHL transfer agreement. Prevents unrealistic AHL stashing of junior‑eligible players. European Prospect Rules (U‑20 Europe) European preseason eligibility — U‑20 European prospects may join preseason. Flexible reassignment — If cut, they may be assigned: To the AHL, or back to their European club Contract slide rule — If assigned to the AHL at age 18–19: Their ELC does not burn a contract year until age 20. This mirrors the NHL’s official entry‑level contract slide mechanism. Gameplay Impact & Strategic Depth The preseason system introduces meaningful decision‑making and authentic roster pressure: Realistic roster management constraints Authentic prospect evaluation opportunities True‑to‑life contract and eligibility handling More meaningful preseason matchups, no more skipping the preseason because it have no value Strategic development pathways for prospects It also generates natural narrative moments: Breakout camp performances Veterans battling for roster spots CHL prospects dominating preseason but returning to juniors European prospects choosing between North America and home development These storylines enrich the seasonal experience and create long‑term franchise identity. If you read the long text I know, please write in the comments , what you think about that and if you have some ideas to bring up to upgrade the Franchise Mode. I have many more but , that's long enough. ThanksConnected Franchise
Please do not report me, I'm not a bot. I want to understand and help. Hi, I would like to know, why the team of NHL 27 cannot talk with the team of Madden to have the framework of their connected Franchise ? You will save a bunch of time with a system who got in place since many years. Why complicated things when you have the model, who need some adjustments for the reality of the sport , but at least that can surely help you. Because the current model without the CPU, I think the people including me, will quit the mode after not so long. If NHL Franchise Mode is built using the same structural frame as Madden’s Connected Franchise. That's will provides a complete seasonal progression loop, robust roster and contract systems, player development pathways, scouting and drafting logic, weekly preparation tools, commissioner controls, and multi‑user league functionality. By leveraging this foundation, the mode delivers a stable, scalable, and deeply immersive management experience tailored to the NHL. I have a idea for a Preseason who will be meaningful. Preseason System Preseason Roster Rules Full contract access — All players under contract are eligible to join the NHL roster at the start of preseason. UFA tryout invitations — Teams may invite unsigned free agents to training camp on professional tryout agreements. Progressive roster cuts — Teams must reduce their roster after each preseason game: After Game 1 → 40 players max After Game 2 → 32 players max After Game 3 → 27 players max After Game 4 → Final roster: 23 skaters and 3 goalies maximum This structure mirrors real NHL training camps and forces strategic evaluation of prospects, depth players, and veterans. Veteran Participation Limits Veteran game cap — Players with 100+ NHL games played may appear in maximum 2 preseason games. Design Intent: Reduce injury risk for established veterans. Encourage teams to evaluate prospects against NHL‑level competition. Increase authenticity in preseason lineup construction. CHL Prospect Rules (U‑20 North America) CHL preseason eligibility — U‑20 CHL players may participate in preseason games. CHL reassignment restriction — If cut from camp: They cannot be assigned to the AHL. They must return to their CHL club. European Prospect Rules (U‑20 Europe) European preseason eligibility — U‑20 European prospects may join preseason. Flexible reassignment — If cut, they may be assigned: To the AHL, or back to their European club Contract slide rule — If assigned to the AHL at age 18–19: Their ELC does not burn a contract year until age 20. Positive: Reflects the real NHL‑CHL transfer agreement. Prevents unrealistic AHL stashing of junior‑eligible players. This mirrors the NHL’s official entry‑level contract slide mechanism. Gameplay Impact & Strategic Depth The preseason system introduces meaningful decision‑making and authentic roster pressure: Realistic roster management constraints Authentic prospect evaluation opportunities True‑to‑life contract and eligibility handling More meaningful preseason matchups, no more skipping the preseason because it have no value Strategic development pathways for prospects It also generates natural narrative moments: Breakout camp performances Veterans battling for roster spots CHL prospects dominating preseason but returning to juniors European prospects choosing between North America and home development These storylines enrich the seasonal experience and create long‑term franchise identity. If you read the long text I know, please write in the comments , what you think about that and if you have some ideas to bring up to upgrade the Franchise Mode. I have many more but , that's long enough. ThanksNHL Connected Franchise
I’m super excited that the connected Franchise is coming back but I have some real concerns. One thing I’m liking is the ability to play against any particular team/person at anytime instead of having to play every game in direct order according to the in game calendar. This will definitely will allow the season to progress around everyone’s busy schedule. One issue I see though of not playing in order of a calendar - it doesn’t appear that trades will occur at a discrete moment of time in a calendar order of games. For example, I’ll play all of my games against x immediately. Then X will get some trade that modifies his roster. Then Y plays all of his games against X with the new roster. So Y and myself in this case will never play the same roster as if we did a calendar series (assuming exceptions of course for trades at discrete dates of that calendar). I think there should be an option to use either a calendar season for games or your new format that allows you to play against anyone anytime. I have an issue with the commissioner having to approve all trades - why should the commissioner have the god ability to decide trades between other teams? Also, he’ll be about to reject other people’s trades but accept his own? This seams problematic. no CPU teams? This is super problematic for keeping a league going. What if someone suddenly can’t commit to continuing the connected franchise - do we have a way to allow them to voluntarily drop out or kick them for inactivity? Wouldn’t we need a CPU to take their place to not throw the entire season off the rails? Is there a way to include someone new in an existing league, or is it only limited to the initial folks? If so, it would be best to only all new folks between seasons. Is there the ability to do playoffs? I feel that would be important to have something to strive for in the season. Can we use custom leagues - aka use existing NHL teams or created teams? How about fantasy draft? Are there the layer of minor league teams (aka AHL) for connected franchise? I think they should be optional. (On a side note I think minor AHL teams should also be optional in the current custom franchise too). I don’t play the current franchise mode enough to know the intricacies of it, but others probably others have valuable comments on scouting, player development, coaches, etc. I think their should be an option for the connected franchise to be more barebones (for someone like me) and another option to is identical, or almost identical, to the current franchise for hardcore franchise players.Releasing an unfinished product NHL 27
This is just sad at this point yall listen to the community about connected franchise great what do you give us a pile of garbage a game that has no player progression no draft everything stays the same there is more components in season mode SEASON MODE is better then this mode get a grip on your company I can make better decisions for your company and I’m 19 in college that’s sad it’s all for money maybe if you guys took more time into your product you would have a bigger fan base I am so disappointed in what I am receiving this year to the point I wouldn’t even buy it if it was 60 dollars yall need to figure your staff out or I don’t know what yall are gonna do this is sadThings That better be in NHL 27 on day one.
These all better be in the game once we open WOC . Sorry not everyone playes hut or gm connected. We finally better have bostons new home and away jerseys. the red wings and jackets 2025 stadium jerseys your failed to add 2 yrs in a row ... the ducks and kings new logos in clubs WOC team creations. every teams 3rd jerseys I noticed you finally added, chicago,dallas,san jose, and you finally added the 2026 winter classic and stadium series jerseys All 10 month later from the original release of NHL 26 wow!! Soo lets have all that added right away.. As for WOC club teams.. I hope its not the same garbage every year.. oh keep playing to unlock your jersey logos oh level up to unlock the "add logo to jersey" just have everything unlocked cuz its the same thing every year.. I really hope you put effort into WOC cuz not everyone plays hut or gm connected ... Also hope we have more arenas to choose from for our club team and Every single team in the NHLs logo is in the woc creations cuz im still waiting on the ducks and kings and my clubs max level . So I dunno who is in charge of adding these but they really are bad at the job.. cuz we are still waiting. Also the new CCM skates and sticks that were added in the october 26th update for NHL 26... ya they are in offline creations but im still waiting for them in the WOC store? soo lets fix that for NHL 27 that be great lets have all the equipment in the chel store .. and last .. . GET RID OF THE STUPID FORTNITE LOOKING PLAYERS AND THE PRE SET BUILDS. let players make their own builds get rid of the cheat builds like mcdavid in 26 geez you know you are bad at the game when you need to use one of those builds. And bring back the winter classic arenas for drop in games or even add them so WOC club teams can set them as the teams arena..
What is Franchise Connected?
What is the point of this game mode? No fantasy draft, no draft, no development. Just a new way to play online versus, I guess. I fundamentally don't understand how this mode is meant to be played; most trades in the NHL involve a give and take with futures and current assets, but there is no concept of futures in this mode. Not even a fantasy draft to level out talent and give players an opportunity to mould their teams. What is the point of picking a non-playoff team? So this game mode allows you to play each other with current rosters; this is what was teased for 3+ years by EA NHL directed marketing. Why is it such a stretch to deliver a completed version of a mode that was already in the game? Standard "manager mode" in sports games exists to provide realism and immersion for players. NHL is already among the weakest in this category compared to other examples, even within EA. Have you ever watched a CPU sim game? It doesn't resemble any hockey game I've ever watched. No NHL calendar events (dev camp, combine, All-Star Game, outdoor games, international games). The player development system and scouting system are awful and ruin immersion. And now an online version of "franchise" mode that doesn't include any of the features already in the game that make the mode what it is. Every year we see half-baked fixes to kick the can down the road, never addressing fundamental issues; this is a perfect example. Some other examples of this effect: - Adding the awful pressure system. - Adding the completely broken avoid animations that make EASHL defence unplayable. - The down-and-out goalie animations. - Removing "L2 skating" but creating the equally as broken Mohawk moves. - Replacing the art for every X-Factor in the game and modifying all of them, but the meta X-Factors don't change at all. - Adding new story elements to be a pro for the 2nd time, and it's still a far inferior mode to versions from before NHL 17. - Reworking the creative suite and making it 10x more glitchy, slow, and confusing. - Nerfing icon passing so badly is nearly unusable. - Adding the total control controller layout to perform difficult skill moves with one button.
Wishlist from an offline-only hardcore player
Disclaimer: I only play Franchise Mode, Play Now and Be A Pro (a bit) so if things are missing, go ahead and make your own wishlist New Options Mascots on/off X-Factor on/off Pressure System on/off Pressure System board graphics on/off New Features (General, Franchise Mode & Be A Pro) Make skaters glide more both in user controlled and cpu controlled state. They stop like the ground surface is gravel Make superstar cpu defenders react harder on opposition forwards cutting into the slot. (Quick flick right stick right to left or vice versa). Right now it's very overpowered to skate fast along the boards and then deke/cut in to the slot to expose defenders and goalie. It result in a goal about 50% of the times, even with goalie sliders set to 100/100 In older games some players like Patrick Kane was really fun and reactive to manual deke with. Today it's much less creative and more bound to sequenced animations (click button > deke animation plays). It was really fun in Shootout Mode online. People created youtube videos and shared their deking skill with others much more. A good balance between now vs then (nhl 12-14) Goalies should stop more simple dekes like backhand forehand dekes at a higher rate CONFIRMED THROUGH TRAILER/ARTICLE New custom jerseys and logotypes in create a team You removed the ability to edit created team during post season in Franchise Mode? Why? BRING IT BACK Updated standard goalie masks (all modes where you can edit players) Increased length of handshake line after completed playoffs series, right now it's about 3-5 seconds long More replays showing close-up player reactions to near goals, shot blocks leading to pain, etc Store Stanley Cup winner team picture to watch later through the menus (if the user won) Tunnel walkout cutscene during playoffs in Franchise Mode Let users customize hairstyle and eyebrows in Franchise Mode Present starting goalies in game intro CONFIRMED THROUGH TRAILER/ARTICLE Present and compare the two team's top players in game intro (can be based on career stat if veteran players or current season stat for others, milestones, etc), like in a real broadcast CONFIRMED THROUGH TRAILER/ARTICLE Three stars of the game cutscene after a game Show team walk out from tunnel and crowd reactions during game intros Updated crowd models and animations (also fix the crowd clapping with freezed towels in playoffs). CONFIRMED THROUGH TRAILER/ARTICLE The outdoor settings/rinks are incredible in pro-am/woc, make use of them in franchise and be a pro (some event or something) Team practice in Franchise Mode and Be A Pro (maybe outdoor practice during post-season?) Outdoor Stadium games Stop showing promo popups in main menu, it is very frustrating and makes most of us wanting to stay away from online modes even more Remove female refs in men's leagues Add more grit to how players interact with each other (yelling at ref or opposition, talking trash, etc) UI panel showing last game three stars and game result in Franchise mode and BAP (right now you have to navigate a lot to see that - box score) Generate 3D headshots for all auto generated players in Franchise Mode (add option to enable/disable when starting a franchise). It's ok if this takes a long time generating each season, but if it slow down menus, then maybe not worth it PC release would be great EDIT (ADDED MARCH 21ST 2026): More context after goal scored. Next whistle talk about or show graphic for the goal scorer and cut to player in camera. Context could for example be: "1st goal after 5 games cold scoring streak", "1st point after returning from injury", etc More random timing for when cpu coach pulls the goalie. Right now cpu opposition coach pull goalie with around 00:50 left in the period. Also only if they are losing with min 1 goal or max 2 goals In goal replays, remove the slowmotion to real-time in the middle of the replay. It doesn't look that good, we do not need fancy hollywood effects and a giant blue marker highlighting the puck, we see it anyway. Same with X-factor replays, but at least we can turn those off. EDIT (ADDED JULY 18TH 2026): Added green labels to improvements that seems to be in NHL 27 Fixes Fix HUT Cup Chase freezing. It's just sad this has not been fixed day one to be honest Fix poor positioning of cpu teammates blocking slap shots from the blue line Fix slow update of header player information (large headshot with name and other info) when hovering players in lineups, player lists, etc in Franchise Mode Fix lag occurring with 1 minute left in each period Fix show mascot on/off in create a team (it's always on in-game, even if saved "off" in create a team for expansion draft in Franchise Mode) Fix mascot drumming cutting off arena music during faceoffs Improve coaches body models and fix clipping of glasses (for example Dan Muse) Tune hitting to be more realistic. If players are prepared for a hit, then don't make them go down this easily as now. Same with players getting hit into the bench, happens too much now. System & Experience System: Xbox Series X Experience: Owned every NHL game since NHL 2000 I play with sliders set to punish my own players and be in favor of the cpu players. Standard Superstar AI is no match. Which I hope future games will change I also want to say that I enjoy the presentation added in NHL 26, but patches this release has been underwhelming