NHL 27 returns to PS5 with Career Mode and AI fixes

EA Sports released NHL 27 today with a global launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox and a set of patches intended to address issues from the previous installment. The updates cover Career Mode, core gameplay, CPU AI, presentation and Hockey Ultimate Team.

Gameplay patches target player control and computer decision-making. Developers adjusted AI behavior to reduce instances of computer-controlled skaters dumping the puck and to improve possession and positioning during play.

Career Mode received changes to roster handling and stability to improve franchise management and season progression. The publisher revised trade logic, free agency processing, waiver claims and salary-cap calculations to produce more consistent roster outcomes. One bug fix prevents captains from being demoted to alternate captains when re-signing with the same team.

Presentation updates include a revised broadcast experience that tones down cinematic elements to create a more television-like feel. The update also fixed camera anomalies, repaired graphical issues such as mascot clipping, adjusted area atmosphere elements and refined roster management tools.

Hockey Ultimate Team received unspecified improvements alongside general stability fixes aimed at reducing crashes. No new gameplay modes or major feature additions were included in the launch patches.

Connected Franchise mode returns with the current season but retains limited functionality. Players have reported the mode’s constraints and requested deeper franchise tools.

EA’s patches address technical and gameplay complaints carried over from the previous title. The game’s core mode lineup and overall structure remain unchanged; additional content or mode changes will depend on future updates from the publisher.