Best Buy Canada seems to have leaked some NHL 26 features that haven’t been shared yet on the official site or by other online retailers.
The details include updates on Be a Pro mode and new information on Hockey Ultimate Team. The site highlights expanded replay insights that track key stats, along with improved broadcast graphics and multi-story replays that showcase important moments from the game. There are also new presentation features with updated visuals and several other additions seen in the bullets below. Nice find @Thrash94Gaming!
- ICE-Q 2.0 powered by NHL EDGE brings lifelike player behaviour, letting superstars think, move, and play with real-world precision
- ICE-Q 2.0 dynamically adjusts line strategies and player tactics, giving you a realistic and responsive gameplay experience
- NHL EDGE data drives player attributes like skating acceleration, top speed, slap shot power, and wrist shot power. This makes each superstar feel unique and gives you strategic advantages on the ice
- Superstar tendencies show off signature moves, like Draisaitl’s low-angle shots and Trouba’s hard hits. Dynamic X-Factors boost these unique behaviours
- Crease Control System enhances goalies awareness with close-range saves, poke checks, and smart AI positioning. These real-time reactions help them respond smoothly to puck changes for more realistic saves
- The Be A Pro (BAP) mode lets you rise from rookie to superstar through new storylines, characters, challenges, impactful choices, and voice-acted cut scenes
- Play from World Juniors to the draft and feel the emotions of your first pro game. Big plays, tough interviews, and possible returns to the minors—everything shapes your journey to stardom
- In BAP, shape your personality and playstyle with unique abilities and X-Factors, letting you choose between being a flashy superstar and a humble locker room hero
- Genuine tunnel walkouts for select NHL teams and fresh facial animations add extra realism and emotion to your journey to the Cup
- HUT Seasons introduces a dynamic mode with revamped team-building and intense Ranked Competitive Matches, plus HUT Cup Chase for offline play at your own pace
- HUT Seasons offers endless ways to build your team using mechanics like season-specific rules, rotating captain themes, and strategic player combos for powerful boosts
- A streamlined user interface makes creating and managing your squad smooth and efficient throughout the season
- Ranked Competitive Matches deliver high-stakes action as you build your team and climb the leaderboard. Prove you’ve got what it takes to hold your rank and chase the championship
- HUT Cup Chase lets you take on the CPU in an offline mini-season of 18 games, aiming for the playoffs and a shot at the HUT Cup and exclusive Season rewards
- Every season, fresh heroes and icons cards are added, featuring top players from different teams and eras to power up your deck-building strategy
- Fresh presentation elements give you detailed visual breakdowns of gameplay impact, showing how ICE-Q 2.0 changes each moment on the ice
- Expanded replay insights track key stats like skating speed, shot speed, shooting percentage, and goalie threat zones for deep analysis
- Enhanced broadcast graphics and multi-story replays bring key moments to life, highlighting player stats and game-changing sequences for rich storytelling
- X-Factors include 28 powerful abilities across five categories, each with unique animations and gameplay effects that create real impact on the ice
- Superstars feel more authentic than ever, with bold presentation and signature moves like Auston Matthews’ Quick Release catching goalies off guard
- In World of Chel, the X-Factor build system lets you customize and experiment with player builds for a deep, personal playstyle
- Updated visual package includes new additions like the Delta Centre arena, realistic net mesh reactions, Dynamic Cinematic Lighting, and player neck guards for added immersion
- Refreshed UI, improved menu screen, and clean font enhance navigation and readability, adding clarity and flow to every part of the game
NHL 26 is set to launch on September 12 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Those who pre-order the Deluxe Edition will get seven days of early access, starting on September 5. More information and details on the different editions are available here.
