EA Sports is making NHL 26 extra special for hockey fans this year. Not only is Florida Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk the main cover athlete, but the deluxe edition will also feature his brother, Brady Tkachuk, and their father, Keith Tkachuk, making it a full family affair.
This marks the first time EA Sports has put three family members together on the cover of its iconic hockey franchise.
EA Sports Brings Entire Tkachuk Family to NHL 26 Deluxe Edition Cover
Matthew, who has won back-to-back Stanley Cups with Florida, is the face of both editions of the game. Sharing the spotlight with his family is something that means a lot to him. “My dad, Brady, and I are all unique and play the way we want to,” Matthew said. “Sharing the cover of NHL 26 is an extension of that.”
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
Brady, captain of the Ottawa Senators, has made a name for himself with his leadership and grit, while Keith Tkachuk is considered one of the NHL’s all-time great power forwards, having played 1,201 games across multiple teams. On the deluxe edition cover, Keith is shown in a St. Louis Blues jersey, a nod to one of his most impactful stints in the league.
The new NHL 26 promises to be the most realistic entry in the series yet. EA Sports is introducing ICE-Q 2.0 technology, powered by NHL EDGE positional data, which captures everything from skating speed and shot power to unique player behaviors and signature moves. Goaltending also gets a major overhaul with a brand-new Goalie Crease Control System designed to make goalies more reactive and true-to-life.
One of the biggest updates is coming to Be A Pro mode, which EA Sports says is the largest upgrade since NHL 21. Players will have more control over their journey, from competing in the World Juniors, getting drafted, working their way up through the ranks, and ultimately lifting the Stanley Cup. This expanded mode gives fans a deeper, more immersive career experience than ever before.
For those who love building teams and playing online, NHL 26 introduces HUT Seasons, adding fresh team-building mechanics, ranked matches, and even an offline mode called the HUT Cup Chase for those who prefer solo play. Each season, new Heroes and Icons player cards will celebrate some of the greatest players in hockey history, giving fans even more ways to customize their ultimate team.
Players who pre-order the Deluxe Edition will not only see the entire Tkachuk family on their cover but also receive up to seven days of early access. EA is offering multiple perks, including Matthew Tkachuk as a 99 OVR reward in NHL 25, 4,600 NHL Points, a HUT Starter Choice Pack, and more. Loyalty discounts of up to 10 percent are available for returning players.
With its mix of realism, expanded features, and a family-themed cover celebrating one of hockey’s most iconic names, NHL 26 is shaping up to be a must-have for fans when it drops on September 12.
