Overview

• EA Sports announced on August 4 that Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk will be the face of NHL 26, marking the first Florida Panthers cover star since John Vanbiesbrouck on NHL 97.
• A YouTube placeholder trailer for NHL 26 is available now ahead of the full game reveal scheduled for August 6.
• NHL 26 is set for a September 2025 launch on PlayStation and Xbox, with speculation suggesting potential support for Nintendo Switch 2.
• Tkachuk arrives after securing his second straight Stanley Cup but is reportedly managing an offseason injury that could sideline him for the first half of the 2025–26 season.
• The Panthers star is targeting a return by the Olympic break to compete for Team USA at the 2026 Winter Games in Italy.