EA Sports NHL 26 to release September 12 as per official reveal trailer

In a strategic move aligning with the NHL’s regular season, scheduled for October 7, EA Sports has announced that NHL 26 will be arriving a month before its anticipated release date via the game’s official reveal trailer on YouTube. NHL 26 will be available on store shelves on September 12, 2025, for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S|X.

EA has basically shifted its traditional release timeline with the month-early launch. The new Deluxe Edition cover art features the Tkachuk family, including Matthew, Brady, and their father, Keith. Furthermore, the game will also feature a 10-hour trial for EA Play and Game Pass Ultimate subscribers.

EA Sports NHL 26 Standard Edition is priced at $69.99, including pre-order bonuses such as 500 NHL Points, two World of Chel Battle Pass XP Boosts, a 99 OVR Matthew Tkachuk card for NHL 25’s HUT, and a HUT Player Pack.

The Deluxe Edition is priced at $99.99 (currently $89.99), and Pre-orders will allow buyers to play the game a week earlier, with a bonus of 4,600 NHL points and a HUT Starter Choice Pack. EA Play subscribers will also receive additional perks like 3,000 World of Chel Coins, Season Pass XP Multiplier Tokens, and a 10% discount on digital content.

NHL 26 is expected to take things to the next level with its ICE-Q 2.0 system, which is powered by NHL EDGE positional data. This system uses real-world puck and NHL players' behaviour, movement, and tracking data to mimic players’ skating speeds, shot power, and signature moves.

The Goalie Crease Control System revamps the netminder mechanics, ensuring better positioning and more realistic saves, a long-standing issue that fans complained about in the past.

Additionally, Be A Pro mode is supposedly getting its biggest update since NHL 21. Players will experience new storylines, new NHL players, and cinematic cutscenes. Hockey Ultimate Team brings HUT seasons, allowing players to participate in ranked matches. However, those looking for a casual solo experience can play the offline Hut Cup Chase Mode.

According to the Creative Director of EA Sports, Mike Inglehart, “NHL 26 is the most true-to-life experience we’ve ever built.” The NHL player base is already hyped for the early release, before the October season kicks off.