EA Sports draws backlash after botching NHL 26 cover

Earlier this week, EA Sports unveiled the always highly anticipated cover for the latest edition of its NHL video game franchise. This year, for NHL 26, Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk earned the prestigious honor, posing for the cover.

While the choice of Tkachuk is controversial in itself as he remains a divisive figure among hockey fans due to his status as an agitator on the ice,many online critics have taken issue with EA Sports’ decision for another reason.

If Washington Capitals’ Alex Ovechkin had been the pick for the cover, it probably would have gone down easier with fans after he broke the all-time goal record, but there was still an even more obvious choice that should have been made. They should have known that the honour belonged to Johnny Gaudreau.

Johnny Hockey and his younger brother Matthew were killed Aug. 29, 2024 after being struck by a vehicle while riding bicycles near their home in Salem County, New Jersey. They both died on the scene, on the eve of their sister Katie’s wedding, where both brothers were to be groomsmen. Johnny was 31 years old at the time of his death, while Matthew was 29.

Almost a year after Johnny Gaudreau’s passing, fans believe he should have been the clear choice to grace the cover of this year’s game. An obvious pick that simply shouldn’t have been overlooked.

More alternative covers featuring Gaudreau instead of Tkachuk are already circulating on social media, with fans openly voicing their disappointment and frustration, while calling out the company for what they see as a painfully tone-deaf misstep.

On a deeper level for the Gaudreau family, Johnny and Matthew’s legacies live on. In early April, Johnny’s widow Meredith Gaudreau announced hat she had given birth to Carter Michael Gaudreau, a beautiful baby boy, one who will carry the same middle name as his father Johnny. Earlier this year, after the holiday season, Matthew’s widow Madeline had also announced the birth of their baby boy Tripp.

I’m still hoping a special edition of the game with Johnny, and even Matthew’s faces on the cover will be created by EA Sports in the memory of both men gone way too soon.