EA Sports is elevating excitement for hockey fans by highlighting Florida Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk as the main figure on the upcoming NHL 26 cover. This year’s deluxe edition is breaking new ground by showcasing not only Matthew but also his brother Brady Tkachuk and their father Keith Tkachuk, marking the first occasion where three family members appear together on the franchise’s cover. This move celebrates the legacy and impact of the Tkachuk family within the hockey world.
A Tribute to the Tkachuk Family Legacy in Hockey
Matthew Tkachuk, fresh off winning consecutive Stanley Cups with the Panthers, is the prominent face of both the standard and deluxe editions of NHL 26. Sharing the spotlight with his father and brother is a meaningful gesture that highlights their unique playing styles and collective hockey journey. Matthew expressed,
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My dad, Brady, and I are all unique and play the way we want to,
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followed by,
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Sharing the cover of NHL 26 is an extension of that.
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Brady Tkachuk, captain of the Ottawa Senators, has gained recognition for his tenacity and leadership on the ice, while Keith Tkachuk’s legacy as a powerful forward is cemented by his impressive 1,201 NHL games across several teams. The deluxe cover pays homage to Keith’s notable career moments by featuring him in a St. Louis Blues jersey, celebrating one of his most influential league tenures.
A lifetime of hockey together, now a cover we’ll never forget.
Pre-order #NHL26 to get 7-day early access and check my game: https://t.co/GnVcHVFYOo pic.twitter.com/aACQXZ5t86
— brady tkachuk (@BradyTkachuk71) August 6, 2025
Innovations and Enhancements Elevate the NHL 26 Experience
NHL 26 aims to deliver unprecedented realism powered by ICE-Q 2.0 technology, which utilizes NHL EDGE positional data to replicate precise skating speeds, shot power, individual player quirks, and signature moves. A significant update comes to goaltending with the introduction of the new Goalie Crease Control System, designed to make goalies’ reactions more lifelike and immersive.
Among the most substantial improvements is the overhaul of the Be A Pro mode, which EA Sports describes as the largest since NHL 21. This mode now offers players greater control over their career path, allowing them to experience key milestones such as participating in the World Juniors, being drafted, climbing through professional ranks, and ultimately competing for the Stanley Cup. This expansion promises a deeper, more engaging journey for fans eager to live the career of a hockey star.
New Features for Team Builders and Online Competitors
Fans focused on team management and online competition will appreciate the addition of HUT Seasons, which brings fresh strategy elements, ranked gameplay, and a new offline mode called the HUT Cup Chase for solo play. Each new season introduces fresh Heroes and Icons player cards, celebrating hockey’s greatest players and expanding options for building the ideal Ultimate Team.
Deluxe Edition Perks and Anticipation for NHL 26 Release
Players who pre-order the Deluxe Edition not only receive the exclusive cover featuring the entire Tkachuk family but also gain up to seven days of early access. Additional benefits include Matthew Tkachuk featured as a 99 overall reward in NHL 25, 4,600 NHL Points, a HUT Starter Choice Pack, and other bonuses. Returning players can also take advantage of loyalty discounts up to 10 percent.
With the combination of cutting-edge gameplay improvements, enriched modes, and the symbolic family cover, NHL 26 is poised to become a highly anticipated release for hockey gamers when it hits the shelves on September 12.