EA Sports is bringing Connected Franchise back to the NHL series with NHL 27, marking the mode’s first appearance since the Xbox 360 generation.
The feature allows players to create and manage a full online league with friends. Up to 32 teams can be controlled by real people, with support for custom league settings, flexible schedules, roster management and commissioner tools.
Connected Franchise was removed from the series after NHL 14, reportedly because it did not attract enough interest at the time. Fans have continued asking for its return, especially as other major sports games expanded their online franchise options.
NHL 27 will also overhaul its presentation with more authentic arenas, new crowd behaviour, updated broadcast graphics and a fresh commentary team. The game is scheduled to launch on September 11 for Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.
| Feature | NHL 27 details |
|---|---|
| Connected Franchise | Returns after more than a decade |
| Maximum human controlled teams | 32 |
| League options | Custom rules and flexible scheduling |
| Management features | Rosters and commissioner tools |
| Arenas | All 32 NHL venues updated |
| Commentary team | John Buccigross and Darren Pang |
| Release date | September 11, 2026 |
| Game Pass benefit | 10 hour trial through Ultimate |
Connected Franchise gives players control of a full online season
Connected Franchise is designed for groups that want to run their own NHL competition rather than play isolated online matches.
Players can build teams, manage rosters and compete through an entire season while developing rivalries with friends. Commissioner tools should allow one person to control the league’s settings and deal with scheduling or roster issues.
The support for up to 32 human controlled teams means a group could theoretically fill every current NHL organisation. Smaller leagues should also be possible through the customisation options.
Flexible scheduling will be important because arranging regular games across a large group can be difficult. EA has not yet explained exactly how missed games, simulations or inactive players will be handled.
The mode’s success will depend on reliability as much as its list of features. Stable connections, clear menus and useful commissioner controls will be essential for leagues that continue over several weeks or months.
Every NHL arena is receiving a more authentic atmosphere
Presentation has been one of the most criticised parts of recent NHL games, and EA says NHL 27 will address that weakness.
All 32 NHL arenas are being updated to better reflect the identity of their home teams. The changes include real goal songs, redesigned pregame introductions and more detailed crowd reactions.
These improvements should help games feel less repetitive across a season. Previous entries often used similar presentation elements regardless of the venue or importance of the match.
Arena specific details can make rivalry games, playoff matches and major moments feel more distinct. The quality of the final result will depend on how much variety exists beyond the opening sequences.
EA is also promising more contextual storytelling during games. This could include commentary and visual packages that respond to recent results, player performances and the wider season.
John Buccigross and Darren Pang lead the new broadcast package
NHL 27 will introduce John Buccigross and Darren Pang as part of a refreshed commentary team.
The new voices will be accompanied by modern broadcast graphics and updated visual presentation. EA says the goal is to create a cleaner and more authentic television style experience from the opening faceoff to the final horn.
A commentary change can make a yearly sports game feel fresher, but repetition is always a concern. The number of recorded lines and the way the game selects them will determine how natural the presentation feels after many hours.
Contextual commentary could be especially useful in franchise play, where the game has access to standings, rivalries and season statistics. Connected Franchise may benefit from these systems if online leagues receive the same presentation depth as offline modes.
NHL 27 arrives in September with an early trial for Game Pass Ultimate
NHL 27 is scheduled to launch on September 11 and is currently available to preorder through the Xbox Store.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members will be able to play a 10 hour trial in early September through the service’s EA Play benefits. This should provide enough time to test the new presentation and decide whether Connected Franchise works well before buying the full game.
The return of the online league mode is the most significant change announced so far. It addresses a long standing request and gives organised groups a feature that has been absent for more than a decade.
The presentation overhaul is equally important for players who felt recent entries had become too familiar away from the ice. NHL 27 still needs to show meaningful gameplay improvements, but the confirmed changes suggest EA is paying more attention to areas that have been neglected in recent years.
Discussion (0)
Be the first to comment.