Hockey enthusiasts across the United States eagerly anticipated the release of NHL 26 this summer, with the official cover unveiling typically generating excitement ahead of the game’s September launch. On August 4, EA revealed Matthew Tkachuk of the Florida Panthers as the game’s new cover athlete, a decision that immediately faced criticism from a large segment of fans.
The controversy arose largely because many supporters had expected NHL 26 to honor the late Johnny Gaudreau, whose tragic passing in August of last year left a deep impact on the hockey community. As disappointment mounted, a fan-made tribute cover featuring Gaudreau gained rapid popularity and shifted the conversation around the release.
Fan-Made Tribute with Johnny Gaudreau Garners Widespread Support
Following the official announcement, fans expressed frustration on social media, with many believing NHL 26 should have commemorated Johnny Gaudreau’s legacy. Gaudreau, who was a winger for the Columbus Blue Jackets, died after being hit by a suspected drunk driver last year, and many assumed a tribute would be the respectful choice for the cover.
On the social platform X, a user named @norrie1313 shared a custom cover displaying Gaudreau instead of Tkachuk, captioned,
Took me 2 seconds to make and is infinitely better.
The post quickly went viral, inspiring others to voice their admiration. One fan commented,
Actually, I’m putting it on my wall.
Others praised the creative decision, with one stating,
Don’t mind the Panthers one, but this one is pretty glorious too!
The response illustrated how strongly Gaudreau’s passing affected fans and emphasized the desire for a meaningful tribute within the NHL community.
Some fans even envisioned a dual cover featuring Gaudreau in both home and away jerseys, hoping for a Deluxe Edition nod in his honor. One user wrote,
A jersey combo on him would’ve been fire too,
expressing hope for recognition of Gaudreau’s impact despite the official cover choice.
Fans Question Omission of Alex Ovechkin’s Historic Achievements from the Cover
Another point of contention came from the omission of Alex Ovechkin, who had a historic season culminating in his 895th goal scored in April, surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s all-time record. With this monumental milestone and speculation that he is in his final NHL season, many considered Ovechkin a natural choice for the cover athlete.
The official NHL X account’s announcement described Tkachuk as,
He’s a tone-setter, a leader, and now a cover star. Matthew Tkachuk is the face of #NHL26. See the full reveal on August 6th.
Despite the praise for Tkachuk’s leadership and recent Stanley Cup win, fans quickly voiced their belief that this did not justify overlooking Ovechkin’s landmark accomplishments.
One supporter expressed their disappointment, saying,
I thought for sure it would be Ovechkin.
The sentiment echoed widely, as Ovechkin not only outranked Tkachuk in the regular season with 73 points versus 57 but also achieved a historic NHL record that many felt deserved front-page recognition.
Anticipation Builds as Fans Await Full NHL 26 Cover Reveal Late in the Week
While debate persists over EA Sports’ decision, fans are now closely watching for the complete cover reveal scheduled for August 6. There remains speculation that Johnny Gaudreau might be featured on a special edition or alternate cover, but nothing has been confirmed by the publisher.
This controversy highlights the significant emotional connection the NHL community has with its stars, especially in moments of tragedy and historic achievement. The choice of cover athlete often represents more than just recognition; it symbolizes the story and spirit fans want remembered.
The final reveal may influence fan reception of NHL 26 and could shape discussions about how video games honor legacy and league milestones going forward.