NHL 22 announces new features and reveals first HUT 22 card ratings


NHL 22 is due out next month, and anticipation is high as Superstar X Factors debut in the title and they look to bring a flurry of new features to their next gen debut.

We've learned some more details about NHL 22, and on top of that the first four HUT 22 cards have been revealed!

NHL 22 new features revealed for multiple game modes

After giving us a first glimpse at the upcoming game with the recent gameplay trailer release, the next step for NHL 22 has been revealing new features.

The addition of Superstar X Factors is a huge piece of the puzzle this year, and they've given the following details about how they'll work in various game modes:

  • Hockey Ultimate Team: Power-up items that start players off with one X-Factor ability and let them unlock abilities as they progress
  • World of CHEL: Play in any World of CHEL Mode to unlock X-Factor Abilities to assign to your customized player
  • Be a Pro: Earn and equip X-Factor abilities to shape players and advance their pro career
  • Franchise Mode: New X-Factor reports allow scouting of both pro and amateur X-Factors. X-Factors contribute to line chemistry, influence trade values of players and are integrated with Fog of War.

On top of that, the following new features were highlighted as heading to NHL 22:

  • Hockey Ultimate Team: Introducing customizable synergies—unlock and choose synergies for upgradeable players to maximize the ultimate team’s performance.
  • World of CHEL:
    • Customize Player Classes: More tools to fine tune your playing style by being able to adjust attribute points as well as topping it off with powerful X-Factor Abilities
    • Revamped World of CHEL Hub: Access game modes, player customization, clubs, rewards, challenges and stats more quickly than ever in a completely new hub.
    • New Party Flow: Invite friends and hang out anywhere in the World of CHEL Hub. Migrate from one game mode to another without having to party up again.
    • EASHL Club Arenas: If a player’s EASHL Club has a custom arena, it’ll be your home base in the World of CHEL Hub.
  • Be a Pro: New multi-season storylines and challenges offer longer term goals like building a dynasty early in a player’s career like Sidney Crosby, or winning consecutive Cups on different teams like Patrick Maroon.
  • Franchise Mode: Celebrating the arrival of the Seattle Kraken, players can now have an expansion draft for the 33rd NHL team.

With NHL 22 just over the horizon, you can place your pre order now to secure a copy and guarantee you get to try these new features.

HUT 22 cards and ratings revealed for four key players

In addition to the news about features, we got our first glimpse within HUT 22 at four of the cards that are expected to land when the game is released.

Auston Matthews, 88 OVR, C/SNP/LH, Toronto Maple Leafs

It's no surprise that this year's cover athlete was among the first cards to see the light of day, and Matthews is looking strong.

NHL 22 Auston Matthews HUT 22
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COVER STAR: It's no shocker that Matthews got an early reveal

We can see they've got him at 88 OVR, and he's got Shock and Awe as his Superstar X Factor Zone Ability.

Andrei Vasilevskiy, 87 OVR, G/HYB/LH, Tampa Bay Lightning

The one goalie revealed was of course the prolific Andrei Vasilevskiy, and he's got a solid 87 OVR rating.

NHL 22 Andrei Vasilevskiy HUT 22 ratings
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CONTORTIONIST: Andrei is ready to pretzel himself for the save

We also know that he'll have the Contortionist ability in HUT 22, at least with this card, which will make him a must-have for your squad.

Artemi Panarin, 87 OVR, LW/PLY/RH, New York Rangers

The New York Rangers got to have a moment in the sun with this reveal for Atemi Panarin, and he's also got the 87 OVR rating we saw for Vasilevskiy.

NHL 22 Artemi Panarin HUT 22 card ratings
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MAKE IT SNAPPY: X Factors will make a big impact this year

This right-handed winger will have the Make It Snappy ability, which just a glance at the icons for potential abilities makes him look like an excellent option.

Leon Draisaitl, 88 OVR, C/SNP/LH, Edmonton Oilers

Lastly we had a reveal for Leon Draisaitl, but it's notable that a disclaimer was dropped below this card (and only this one, none of the others) that says "item ratings/details not final."

NHL 22 ratings HUT 22 Leon Draisaitl
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NOT FINAL: This is a first look, but Draisaitl's card could change

We could see changes for Draisaitl between now and launch, but as of now they've got him at 88 OVR with the Tape to Tape ability locked down.

For more articles like this, take a look at our NHL page.