Matthew Tkachuk announced as the face of NHL 26 with release scheduled for September 2025

EA Sports Announces NHL 26 Cover Star

EA Sports has announced that Matthew Tkachuk will grace the cover of NHL 26, with a launch date set for September 12, 2025, on both PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Tkachuk has been pivotal in leading the Florida Panthers to back-to-back Stanley Cup championships, having netted the decisive goal in the recent finals against the Edmonton Oilers.

Deluxe Edition Features

In an interesting twist, Tkachuk’s family will also be featured on the Deluxe Edition cover. His brother Brady and father Keith will join him, marking a family representation similar to that of the Hughes brothersQuinn, Jack, and Luke—who appeared on the cover of the previous version of the game.

The Deluxe Edition will not only showcase the Tkachuk family but will also allow players a week of early access and provide a range of exclusive in-game items. Both the Standard and Deluxe Editions come with pre-order incentives, including a coveted 99 OVR player card for existing game versions.

Gameplay Enhancements in NHL 26

NHL 26 promises to enhance the gaming experience with improved gameplay mechanics powered by NHL EDGE data. It will also introduce X-Factors to elevate player skills and a revamped Be A Pro mode that takes athletes from their rookie seasons to superstardom. Additionally, a new HUT Seasons mode will be part of the game, adding fresh excitement for fans and players alike.