Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly headlines three new prototype cards in NHL 24 Hockey Ultimate Team
NHL 24 released three new prototype cards in Hockey Ultimate Team dedicated to three NHL defensemen who are known for their offensive skill.
Toronto Maple Leafs’ Morgan Rielly received the highest-rated card at 96 overall. Rielly is the backbone of the Maple Leafs defense core. Drafted in 2012 at pick No. 5, he’s spent all 11 seasons playing in the mecca of hockey recording 512 points in 848 games.
He has recorded 50+ points in a season four times and was one of his team’s best players in the 2023 playoffs registering 12 points in 11 games. His career-best season came in 2018-19 when he put up 20 goals and 72 points. He finished fourth in voting for the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, and fifth for the James Norris that season.
Rielly’s shooting stats on his new card can be maxed out when the offensive defenseman and shooting boost synergies are both activated. He can get up to 99 agility with agile dangler boost alongside his 97 speed and acceleration.
Montreal Canadiens’ Michael Matheson is next in line with a 95 overall card. Matheson was originally a first-round (No. 23) pick by the Florida Panthers in that same 2012 NHL Draft. He spent four years in the sunny city before suiting for the Pittsburgh Penguins for two seasons.
He was traded to Montreal in the summer of 2022 and is coming off his most productive season. Matheson was the leader along the blueline for the Habs averaging 25:33 time on ice, 186 blocks, 11 goals, and 62 points in 82 games. He’s played 567 career NHL games recording 241 points.
Chel players who love slap shots from the point will be fans of his card. His card already has 99 slapshot power and accuracy and Thunderclap and One-Tee as abilities to choose from.
Last but not least is the Columbus Blue Jackets No. 1 defenseman Zach Werenski at 94 overall. The Michigan native has had a rough stretch of injuries in his career, but he was able to stay healthy for the most part this past year, and recorded his most points in a single season with 57.
In 2019-20, he potted home 20 goals, his career-best for goals in a single season. Columbus drafted Werenski eighth overall in the 2015 NHL Draft and the 26-year-old defenseman has spent all eight seasons with the Blue Jackets. His career numbers are 94 goals and 315 points in 515 games.
Werenski although the lowest overall of the three, has the best skating at 98 speed, acceleration, and agility. His shooting stats essentially get maxed out when offensive defenseman and shooting boost are equipped.