EA Sports has announced NHL 27, set to launch on September 11 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The latest installment in the professional ice hockey simulation series will feature 20-year-old Macklin Celebrini on its cover and introduces several expected enhancements, including improved graphics, revamped team playbooks, and updated camera perspectives. A notable addition for returning players is the Connected Franchise mode, a fan-requested feature absent since NHL 14 in 2013.
Initial excitement surrounding the return of Connected Franchise has been tempered by a significant detail: the mode exclusively supports human-controlled teams. According to the NHL 27 website and an announcement trailer screenshot, "Teams without a human user cannot be controlled, traded with, or played against." This means that leagues will require 32 human participants, a requirement that has led some fans to express disappointment and call for the inclusion of AI-controlled teams.
Despite the limitations on AI teams, the mode will not be restricted to a single season. Franchise strategy and marketing manager for NHL 27 clarified that leagues can continue indefinitely, with roster moves like trades and free agent acquisitions carrying over between seasons. However, aspects such as player aging, retirement, and season statistics will not persist from year to year in the current iteration. EA plans to provide further details through upcoming blogs and a Feedback Portal, where the community can voice priorities for future development of the mode.
NHL 27 will also feature a new broadcast commentary team, with John Buccigross and Darren Pang providing play-by-play and color commentary, respectively.