NHL 17 introduces three new modes that connect fans with the sport and leave no hockey wishes unfulfilled. The new Draft Champions mode offers the excitement of a fantasy draft with quick picks of yesterday's and today's superstars. For the first time in EA SPORTS NHL history, players can compete on international stages with national hockey heroes in the World Cup of Hockey mode. The next generation of Be a GM introduces the Franchise mode, where you interact directly with the owner and personally manage all aspects of the team—from concession stands to advertising rights and the arena.

NHL 17 provides full control over every inch of the ice. Thanks to the new crease battle system, players fight for every centimeter in front of the goal. Visually and gameplay-wise authentic goalies adopt their typical stances and can read the game better with the improved Reactionary Save Intelligence, allowing them to respond with an athletic save or block the puck with their body. With improved checks, passes, puck handling, and optimized skating techniques, players control all zones of the ice and surprise fans with new goal celebration animations.

The game modes in NHL 17 offer more depth, new experiences, and extensive customization options. The EA Sports Hockey League (EASHL) introduces a new player ranking progression system that unlocks customization items for players, teams, and arenas. The new Team Editor allows for the customization of a team with logos, colors, and stickers. Additionally, players can design the arena of their dreams for the first time ever with the brand-new Arena Creator in both the EASHL and Franchise modes.