In the ever-passionate world of hockey gaming, few moments generate more excitement—or more controversy—than the unveiling of a new NHL video game cover.

This year, EA Sports’ highly anticipated reveal for NHL 26 was supposed to be a celebration, a moment where the community could rally around a shared symbol of the sport’s best and brightest.

But instead of applause, the announcement has been met with a tidal wave of criticism, confusion, and disappointment that has left both casual fans and diehard followers asking the same question: How could such an important decision go so wrong?

As debate rages across social media and forums light up with heated takes, one thing is clear—this year’s cover choice has struck a nerve deeper than anyone expected.

But beneath the surface outrage lies a story that’s about much more than just a photo or a name. It’s about missed opportunities, emotional legacies, and the power a single image can hold in the world of sports.

What exactly did EA Sports get wrong, and why are so many fans calling this the most shocking cover controversy in the franchise’s history? The answer is more complex—and more emotional—than you might think.

Photo of Matthew Tkachuk

Photo credit: EA Sports

In the past few hours, EA Sports unveiled its highly anticipated cover for the new game NHL 26. Let’s just say the reveal really didn’t sit well with fans.

As Marco Normandin (HABSolumentFan) also pointed out, EA Sports made a major mistake.

And we’re not even talking about the questionable face edit of Matthew Tkachuk. We’re talking about the actual choice of player featured on the cover.

Fans Seem to Agree: EA Sports Dropped the Ball and Made a Major Mistake With the NHL 26 Cover

Choosing Matthew Tkachuk was already controversial – but even more controversial was who they left out.

image

I’m having a hard time understanding the decision.

“There was one obvious choice that should not have been overlooked.

If Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals would have been a logical pick after breaking the all-time goal record, there was another even more obvious one.” – HF

Of course, they’re talking about none other than Johnny Gaudreau.

EA Sports missed a huge opportunity to pay tribute to Johnny Gaudreau – almost exactly one year after his tragic death.

Choosing the cover athlete for NHL 26 should have been a no-brainer, but instead, EA Sports disappointed almost every hockey fan out there.

The comments are unanimous.

Johnny Gaudreau, who was 31 years old, recorded 743 points in 763 career NHL games – a career that ended far too soon.

Let’s hope, at the very least, that a special edition NHL 26 cover gets released soon.