# EA Sports NHL 27 player backlash > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ea-sports-nhl-27-player-backlash > Updated: 2026-09-08T14:04:58.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. Early access players of EA Sports’ NHL 27 have expressed significant dissatisfaction following the deluxe edition release. Initial criticisms focused on the game feeling like a minor annual update rather than a next-generation title, specifically citing technical regressions in the Connected Franchise mode. Users reported missing features such as rookie drafts and the ability for AI to manage unoccupied teams. As the backlash progressed, scrutiny intensified regarding visual rendering and player likenesses. Critics highlighted poor facial modeling for several Montreal Canadiens players and noted that the virtual versions of stars like David Pastrňák, Alex Nylander, Sergei Bobrovsky, John Tavares, and Pavel Zacha bear little resemblance to the actual athletes. Even Connor McDavid faced criticism regarding his eye rendering. Additionally, controversy emerged surrounding the game’s player rating system. Miscommunication regarding a new ‘99 Club’ led to accusations that the developer was unaware of its own product history, as players with 99 and 100 ratings have appeared in previous iterations of the franchise. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-08: EA Sports faces criticism over NHL 27 player likenesses EA Sports is facing criticism over the poor facial likenesses of NHL stars in the upcoming NHL 27 video game, alongside controversy regarding player rating communications. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ea-sports-faces-criticism-over-nhl-27-player-likenesses ### 2026-09-05: EA Sports NHL 27 faces backlash from early access players Early access players of EA Sports’ NHL 27 are criticizing the game for poor graphics, inadequate player face scans, and a regressive implementation of the Connected Franchise mode. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ea-sports-nhl-27-faces-backlash-from-early-access-players --- Cite as: EA Sports NHL 27 player backlash. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ea-sports-nhl-27-player-backlash