Tkachuks Star on NHL 26 Cover Amid Injury Concerns

EA Sports has named Florida Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk as the standard cover athlete for NHL 26, with Tkachuk, his brother Brady, and their father Keith also appearing together on the deluxe edition cover in a rare generational feature. Matthew Tkachuk is expected to miss the start of the 2025-26 NHL season due to a torn adductor and sports hernia suffered during the Panthers’ second straight Stanley Cup run, with his return estimated before the 2026 Winter Olympics. His recent wedding has contributed to a surgery delay, leaving his full recovery timeline uncertain. The Panthers may seek roster flexibility through LTIR as they manage his absence and their salary cap situation. Fan reactions to Tkachuk's cover selection have been mixed, with some threatening a boycott. EA Sports will unveil the full NHL 26 cover design and release date in August.