31/05/2026, Zurich, Swiss Life Arena, Ice hockey, Eishockey World Championships: Bornze Medal Game: Canada - Norway, 71 Macklin Celebrini Canada Zurich Swiss Life Arena Zurich Switzerland *** 31 05 2026, Zurich, Swiss Life Arena, Ice Hockey World Championships Bornze Medal Game Canada Norway, 71 Macklin Celebrini Canada Zurich Swiss Life Arena Zurich Switzerland Copyright: xJustPictures.ch/StefanxEmchx jp-de-StEm-DSC0048920260531

EA Sports confirms NHL 27 features including connected franchise mode and gameplay upgrades

Jul 17, 2026, 3:30 PM CUT

As September approaches, EA Sports has dropped a trailer for NHL 27 and announced a highly anticipated feature, the "Connected Franchise" mode. The game also includes several other features and upgrades fans can look forward to when it launches.

It will launch on September 11 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S and has become the talk of the town. The arrival of the online integrated gameplay feature, the "Connected Franchise" mode, will be a welcome addition.

NHL 27's senior game design director, Mike Inglehart, explained the rationale behind this update in the trailer shared by EA Sports NHL on YouTube.

"A shared online competitive experience has been one of the community's biggest requests for a long time. Connected franchise is here," said Inglehart. "Create a league with your crew, customize the rules, manage your roster, make the trades, and settle those rivalries. No matter how you want to play, Connected Franchise is built to make the league your own."

Disappointed Macklin Celebrini after the bronze medal match Canada vs Norway at the 2026 IIHF Ice hockey, Eishockey World Championship, WM, Weltmeisterschaft in Zurich, Switzerland, May 31, 2026. CTKxPhoto/RadekxPetrasek CTKPhotoP2026053104502 PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxCZExSVK CTKPhotoP2026053104502

The mode will feature a fully online season, with 32 real-time players able to play together, choosing and customizing their own teams. Inglehart not only commented on the mode but also talked about the team's goal for NHL 27.

"Our goal for EA SPORTS NHL 27 is to deliver a game where players will feel the change the moment they take the ice," Inglehart said in an NHL press release. "Every arena atmosphere and broadcast visual has been engineered to showcase a true-to-life team feel. We know the proof is in the playing, and we cannot wait for fans to experience this game's energy for themselves."

So what are these new features that Inglehart seems excited to reveal to us, and what did the cover star, Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks, say about the game?

NHL 27 will bring a "pretty special" flavor for fans and gamers

NHL 27 will give each of the 32 teams its own unique identities, with known chants, songs, jumbotrons, and dynamic lighting playing a part, according to EA.

Every team will also have its own unique playbooks, powered by ICE-Q and NHL EDGE data, with real NHL systems included for you to change the tactics as well. Also, ESPN play-by-play voice John Buccigross and former NHL goaltender Darren Pang will pair up for the game's commentary.

Hockey Ultimate Team will now also feature the NHL coaches, who will be crucial for team building. The youngest-ever cover star of the game, 20-year-old Macklin Celebrini, has also commented on it.

"Seeing the Shark Tank brought to life like that is honestly unreal," Celebrini said in the NHL press release. "They really captured the atmosphere. Sharks fans are going to load it up and feel like they’re right there in the building with us, and that’s pretty special."

While the game is launching on September 11, fans can experience the game early on by buying the Deluxe Edition, giving them seven days of Early Access.

Written by

Dhruv Singh

Edited by

Yash Kotak