NHL 26 Patch Notes: Update Brings Major Gameplay Fixes

With Update 1.3.0 rolling out across all modes, the game feels refreshed from the opening faceoff — and this patch touches almost everything, from forechecking logic to HUT stability.

Gameplay Overhaul

The biggest part of Update 1.3.0 hits right where players feel it most: on the ice.

• AI forechecking has been rebuilt, allowing defenders to escape the Neutral Zone Trap and apply pressure when opponents hesitate.
• AI diving shot logic has been tuned to prioritize puck-possession outcomes.
• A physics correction fixes leg vs stick interactions that made puck carriers unrealistically overpower stick checks.
• Delayed penalties now trigger when a player kicks the puck without a stick.
• Fixes to icon passing now ensure the puck goes toward the intended receiver.
• Goalie reactions have been improved on dump-ins and sharp-angle shots.
• Passing animations out of toe-drags have been tuned for smoother transitions.

Be A Pro Adjustments

Update 1.3.0 brings a sweeping round of quality-of-life upgrades to Be A Pro:

• Lowered form score requirements needed to rise in lineup roles.
• Repaired challenge tracking for Power Play objectives.
• Fixed incorrect or ill-timed dialogue sequences.
• Corrected award triggers, ensuring accurate recognition.
• Fixed endorsement sequences appearing out of order.
• Adjusted headline logic to prevent inaccurate narratives.
• Corrected issues preventing accurate stat and challenge tracking.

World of CHEL Fixes

WoC gets a long list of stability, UI, and usability improvements:

• Players can now preview Loadouts in the store before buying.
• Fixed crashes linked to deep-link transitions.
• Improved XP token and objective visibility.
• Fixed scoreboard and leaderboard desyncs.
• Improved readability and UI element separation.

Franchise Mode Stability

A smaller but important set of updates stabilizes Franchise Mode:

• Fixed a crash associated with 'View Draft Class'.
• Corrected contract interest inconsistencies.
• Cleaned up stat overlays.
• Resolved goalie save percentage discrepancies.

New Tournament Addition

• Spengler Cup is now officially playable.

Hockey Ultimate Team Improvements

Update 1.3.0 brings one of the biggest HUT stability and feature passes of the year.

New Features

• Ranked Objectives for Season 2.
• Tradable Ranked Collectibles.
• Expanded Ranked rewards and new tiers.
• Win Streak System arriving early December.

Stability Fixes

• Eliminated multiple crashes and Internal Errors.
• Cleaned up matchmaking and pack-purchase flows.
• Fixed AP count issues and Salary Cap indicator errors.
• Corrected translation, icon, and layout errors.

Art, Equipment, and Visual Updates

General Art Fixes

• Fixed neck guard clipping.
• Deformation corrections during victory scenes.
• Corrected character creation eye clipping.

New Equipment

• CCM FTW Stick, Glove, Skate, Helmet.

Center Ice Updates

Updated or new center ice designs:

• PWHL
• Seattle Torrent
• Vancouver Goldeneyes
• Extensive updates across AHL, ECHL, CHL.

Uniform Updates

NHL Additions

• Chicago Blackhawks - Third
• Colorado Avalanche - Third
• Dallas Stars - Third
• Los Angeles Kings - Third
• Minnesota Wild - Anniversary
• Pittsburgh Penguins - Third

Lower leagues receive new home, away, and third jerseys across AHL, ECHL, CHL, and Liiga.

Patch Summary:

• Significant AI upgrades across forechecking, diving shots, physics, and goalies.
• Icon passing finally corrected.
• Be A Pro receives major narrative and challenge fixes.
• WoC stability and UI improvements.
• HUT adds Ranked Collectibles, Win Streaks, and extensive bug fixes.
• Added Spengler Cup.
• New CCM FTW gear.
• Broad center ice and uniform updates across all leagues.