NHL 27 Introduces Connected Franchise Mode After Years, With a Twist

EA Sports has officially announced NHL 27, with 20-year-old Macklin Celebrini gracing the cover. EA Sports has unveiled NHL 27, featuring Macklin Celebrini on the cover. The game promises improved graphics, revamped team playbooks, and enhanced camera work. Among the surprises is the return of Connected Franchise, a long-requested feature absent since NHL 14 in 2013. However, excitement waned when it was revealed that the mode only supports human-controlled teams, necessitating 32 real players for a league.

EA Sports has unveiled NHL 27, featuring Macklin Celebrini on the cover. The game promises improved graphics, revamped team playbooks, and enhanced camera work. Among the surprises is the return of Connected Franchise, a long-requested feature absent since NHL 14 in 2013. However, excitement waned when it was revealed that the mode only supports human-controlled teams, necessitating 32 real players for a league.

Some fans are disappointed by the lack of AI teams in Connected Franchise. Despite initial concerns about the mode being limited to a single season, NHL 27 clarified that leagues can continue beyond Year 1, with certain features not carrying over. The game also introduces a new commentary duo, John Buccigross and Darren Pang, and is set to launch on September 11 for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.