Matthew Tkachuk of the Florida Panthers was selected as the cover athlete for NHL 26 after playing a crucial role in leading the Panthers to consecutive Stanley Cup victories. While Tkachuk is undoubtedly a worthy choice for the NHL 26 cover, there are several other prominent players who could have also deserved this honor.

Legendary Players Yet to Appear on the Cover

Sidney Crosby, widely regarded as one of the greatest hockey players ever, stands out as a notable figure who has never appeared on the EA NHL cover. Although Crosby has reportedly declined past offers, the twilight of his illustrious career might bring a change of heart. His achievements throughout the years make a strong case for his inclusion, particularly as he is slated to captain Team Canada in an upcoming Olympic year, which would elevate his profile as a cover athlete.

Alex Ovechkin’s Legacy and Final NHL Season

Alex Ovechkin has previously appeared on the covers of EA NHL 07 and 21, but many feel he should have been featured on NHL 26’s cover as well. This season could mark the conclusion of his NHL career, coinciding with the last year of his contract and persistent speculation about a return to Russia to finish his playing days. If this truly is his final season, a tribute cover highlighting Ovechkin—especially showcasing his celebration after breaking the all-time goals record—would have been a fitting honor to celebrate his remarkable career.

The Case for Featuring a Goalie on the Cover

It has been more than a decade since a goaltender appeared on an EA NHL cover, with Martin Brodeur last featured on NHL 14. Given this long gap, the time seems ripe for another goalie to receive the spotlight. Connor Hellebuyck emerges as a logical candidate after earning both the MVP title and the Vezina Trophy as the NHL’s top goalie last season. Moreover, Hellebuyck is expected to serve as Team USA’s starting goalie in the upcoming Olympics, which further supports the argument for him to be the NHL 26 cover athlete.

Ultimately, while Matthew Tkachuk’s selection celebrates his recent success and growing prominence, these three superstars—Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin, and Connor Hellebuyck—possess compelling resumes and moments in their careers that also merit recognition on the cover of NHL 26. Their inclusion would have offered a blend of historic achievement, current excellence, and positional diversity, enriching the game’s representation as it moves forward.