Today, the teams at EA Canada and EA Bucharest released a new deep dive video for NHL 26. You can see it below.
This latest look at the upcoming hockey game focuses on its HUT (Hockey Ultimate Team) mode, and the changes that have been implemented within it.
The most notable addition is HUT seasons: a new game mode that raises the stakes of every match-up and offers more ways to play than ever before, from intense ranked modes to more casual HUT Mini Seasons.
Accessibility is another focus, alongside the following:
- Maximum Team Building Variety: NHL 26 gives fans more freedom than ever to construct the ultimate lineup, utilizing innovative new mechanics sure to keep team-building fresh all year long. Season-specific rules, rotating team captain themes and unique player combinations unlock powerful boosts to OVR, attributes, and salaries, while a streamlined interface makes squad management smooth and intuitive. The introduction of a Salary Cap also pushes players to be thoughtful about who they add to their squads, encouraging smarter roster construction and strategic balance of players.
- HUT Ranked Competitive Matches For Hardcore Players: Designed for players who thrive in high-stakes competition, Ranked Competitive Matches let fans test their skills against the best of the best as they climb the leaderboard. Players will build their squad, battle for position and prove that they have what it takes to attain championship glory.
- Matchmaking Structure: NHL 26 introduces Matchmaking Floors, ensuring players won’t ever drop below their earned division within a given season. The top players will qualify for HUT Champs, the pinnacle of ranked play.
- Restructured Rewards: With a restructured rewards system, every game counts and progression is more transparent with better-defined tiers. Exclusive rewards and jerseys will be up for grabs.
- Take the Competition Offline With HUT Cup Chase: Players can now take on the challenge of a full season in offline play, battling the CPU across 18 league games before heading into a two-round playoff. Those who advance through the bracket will chase the championship and lift the HUT Cup to unlock exclusive seasonal rewards. HUT Cup Chase also removes leaderboards and replaces them with a dedicated rewards track, giving steady, tangible reward progression.
- Explore All New Heroes And Icons Player Cards: Each season, new Heroes and Icons player cards expand the HUT roster, allowing players to take control of the game’s most impactful stars across teams and eras. Heroes represent athletes who left an indelible mark on hockey history with unforgettable performances and deep legacies, while Icons embody the true legends of the sport, the greatest to ever lace up skates. Together, these new card types add a dynamic new edge to team-building and bring more variety to lineups. Fans can look forward to multiple drops for Heroes and Icons throughout the year.
NHL 26 will be released on the twelfth of this month, but those who’ve preordered it can expect early access starting on the fifth.
Stay tuned for our review, which will be up prior to launch.