NHL 27: what does the return of Connected Franchise mean for players?

In short

• NHL 27 has been officially announced by EA Sports, with Macklin Celebrini on the cover.
• The game introduces the long-awaited Connected Franchise mode, which hasn’t appeared in the series since NHL 14.
• Improved graphics, revamped team playbooks, and updated camera work are also key additions.

Analysis by GAME-scanner

NHL 27 marks a significant step forward for the NHL franchise, especially with the return of Connected Franchise mode. This mode, which lets players compete online in a 32-team league, is a feature the community has been asking for for years. The last time it was available was in NHL 14, which has raised expectations considerably. However, the fact that Connected Franchise only supports human-controlled teams may limit accessibility for casual players. That could lead to a mixed reception, especially given the need for 32 human players to make the mode work.

What does this mean for players?

For players, the return of Connected Franchise means they can finally enjoy a deep online experience that lets them play alongside friends or other fans. The ability to make roster moves such as trades and free agent claims adds a strategic layer to the gameplay. However, the restriction to human-controlled teams may be frustrating for players who don’t have a large group of friends to play with. The improved graphics and gameplay elements can enhance the overall experience, but the impact of the new mode will depend heavily on the community that forms around it.