NHL 26 is shaking up the content formula with the launch of “Chel Week,” a new five-day content drop designed to reward players. These limited-time events, packed with exclusive content and community-driven features, give you a chance to earn unique rewards in Hockey Ultimate Team (HUT).
The first of these, “Chel Weeks: Cult Superstars,” is now live, putting the power to shape player progression directly into your hands. This inaugural Chel Week focuses on “Cult Superstars,” players who are celebrated for their distinctive style of play, tenacity, and on-ice grit, rather than just their stat lines.
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Players will work through objectives, complete sets, and unlock rewards centered on this theme. A key part of the experience is the community vote, allowing players to influence the game in a meaningful way.
Here is what you can expect from the inaugural Chel Week:
- Day 1 (Monday, September 8): Four new buildable Cult Superstars become available: Tom Wilson, Jacob Trouba, Nazem Kadri, and Jacob Slavin. Players receive a free starter pack to begin their journey, and the community vote kicks off, giving you the chance to choose which of these players will receive a +1 OVR upgrade.
- Day 2 (Tuesday, September 9): This introduces a new player combination with a +5 AP boost, aligning with the Cult Superstars theme and providing more options to build your squad.
- Day 3 (Wednesday, September 10): Features a limited-time collection with a unique themed reward, alongside new World of Chel customization options.
- Day 4 (Thursday, September 11): Introduces an 85 OVR Spotlight Player, obtainable by completing HUT Moments.
- On Day 5 (Friday, September 12): The community vote concludes, and the winning player receives a permanent +1 OVR boost, making your decision a lasting part of the game.
Cult Superstars is just the beginning of a new program designed to keep HUT fresh and player-driven all season. Subsequent Chel Weeks will arrive throughout the year, each with its own unique theme, rewards, and Spotlight Players.
What is the release date for EA Sports NHL 26?
NHL 26 will release on September 12, 2025, on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S with Deluxe Edition players able to access the game early.
