Matthew Tkachuk has been chosen as the cover athlete for NHL 26, scheduled for release on September 12, 2025, on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Tkachuk played a key role in the Florida Panthers’ back-to-back Stanley Cup triumphs, highlighted by his decisive goal in this year’s championship win over the Edmonton Oilers.
For the Standard Edition, Tkachuk appears solo on the cover. However, the Deluxe Edition takes a family-focused approach by featuring Matthew alongside his brother Brady and their father Keith. This follows a similar theme from last year’s edition, which spotlighted the Hughes brothers Quinn, Jack, and Luke.
Matthew Tkachuk (NHL)Pre-Order Bonuses and Gameplay Upgrades Promise a Deeper, More Dynamic NHL 26 Experience
Pre-ordering either edition comes with notable perks, including a 99 OVR card usable in the current game. The Deluxe Edition offers additional bonuses such as exclusive in-game content and early access to the game a full week ahead of the official release date.
Gameplay in NHL 26 will see several major improvements. The game will integrate NHL EDGE data for enhanced realism, expand on the X-Factors system to better represent player skills, and introduce a completely revamped Be A Pro mode. Additionally, the introduction of HUT Seasons will provide a new layer of competition and variety for players in the Hockey Ultimate Team mode.
