Along with the NHL 26 reveal trailer EA SPORTS NHL released a full list of new features [https://www.ea.com/games/nhl/nhl-26/features]. The most touted new addition is a revamped Be A Pro mode that includes new challenges, the ability to play in the World Juniors, and new cutscenes. NHL 25's big addition ICE-Q has been upgraded to ICE-Q 2.0 which will not incorporate real time stats from NHL EDGE, the NHL's stat and positioning tracking data. This should help inform players skill attributes and help AI. NHL 25 Pre-Season Event Week 1 NHL 26 will come with 28 X-Factors that, "amplify superstar abilities with unique playstyle animations and gameplay outcomes." These X-Factors will likely replace the 42 from NHL 25. Players having individualized abilities based on X-Factors is a good way to emphasize skills and should help users get a different feeling when using star players. In the portion of the trailer that shows gameplay from Be A Pro mode there is an animation where the pro scores a goal on a one-handed shot, perhaps a sign of new shot animations and an expansion of the X-Factors. A new Goalie Crease Control system was announced that is set to improve responsiveness and goaltender positioning. HUT Seasons is the newest addition to Hockey Ultimate Team that adds new team building, ranked matches, and offline ways to earn rewards. There were no mentions of major Franchise Mode changes of the re-introduction of GM Connected. NHL 26 is set to release Sept. 12 [https://thehockeynews.com/gaming/latest-news/ea-sports-nhl-26-to-release-sept-12], those who pre-order the deluxe edition get access Sept. 5. We will dive into each mode as more news becomes available. For more NHL Gaming news make sure you bookmark The Hockey News Gaming Site [https://thehockeynews.com/gaming/] or follow our Google News Feed [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMws-DfCA?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen]. Photo Credit: EA SPORTS NHL
