# NHL 22

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2021 video game

2021 video game

NHL 22 Standard edition cover art featuring Auston Matthews Developer EA Vancouver Publisher EA Sports Series NHL Engine Frostbite 3 Platforms PlayStation 4 PlayStation 5 Xbox One Xbox Series X/S Release October 15, 2021 Genre Sports (ice hockey) Modes Single-player, multiplayer

***NHL 22*** is an [ice hockey](/source/Ice_hockey) [simulation video game](/source/Simulation_video_game) developed by [EA Vancouver](/source/EA_Vancouver) and published by [EA Sports](/source/EA_Sports). It is the 31st installment in the [*NHL* video game series](/source/NHL_(video_game_series)) and was released for the [PlayStation 4](/source/PlayStation_4), [PlayStation 5](/source/PlayStation_5), [Xbox One](/source/Xbox_One) and [Xbox Series X/S](/source/Xbox_Series_X_and_Series_S) on October 15, 2021. It is the first entry in the series to use the [Frostbite](/source/Frostbite_(game_engine)) engine, and utilizes the new game engine on all four platforms.[1] The game features [Toronto Maple Leafs](/source/Toronto_Maple_Leafs) center [Auston Matthews](/source/Auston_Matthews) as the cover athlete for the second time in the series, after being the North American cover athlete for *[NHL 20](/source/NHL_20)*.[2]

The online servers for the game will be shut down on August 31, 2026.[3]

## Features

New to *NHL 22* is a new game engine and a graphical overhaul. The *NHL* series jumps to the [Frostbite](/source/Frostbite_(game_engine)) engine, after using the [Ignite](/source/Ignite_(game_engine)) engine for the previous 7 years. Additionally, it moves to the next generation consoles [PlayStation 5](/source/PlayStation_5) and [Xbox Series X/S](/source/Xbox_Series_X_and_Series_S).[4] *NHL 22* also introduces Superstar X-Factors, which are abilities that makes superstar players unique, and differentiates them from other players. This also unlocks specific animations affecting their area of expertise.[5]

*NHL 22* will be feature complete on all four platforms, with the [PlayStation 4](/source/PlayStation_4) and [Xbox One](/source/Xbox_One) versions also moving to the [Frostbite](/source/Frostbite_(game_engine)) engine, while the [PlayStation 5](/source/PlayStation_5) and [Xbox Series X/S](/source/Xbox_Series_X_and_Series_S) versions won't be losing any features from the last generation counterpart. According to *NHL* producer Clement Kwong, the NHL team's priority this year was making sure everything will be carried over to the new [Frostbite](/source/Frostbite_(game_engine)) engine, as well as next generation versions so as to not repeat the same mistake with the previous console generation transition that was *[NHL 15](/source/NHL_15)*. In moving to the [Frostbite](/source/Frostbite_(game_engine)) Engine, the NHL team is rebuilding all the arenas around the new lighting engine, allowing for enhanced particle and visual effects on the ice and elsewhere, as well as the character models are also being redone.[6]

*NHL 22* also introduces new gameplay animations, with new reverse hitting, new pass and shot blocks, new pickups, revamped puck protection, additional goalie saves/pokes, and more.[7]

*NHL 22* also introduces the new expansion team [Seattle Kraken](/source/Seattle_Kraken), as they join the [National Hockey League](/source/National_Hockey_League) in the [2021–22 NHL season](/source/2021%E2%80%9322_NHL_season).[8] In franchise mode, you can redo the [Seattle Kraken expansion draft](/source/2021_NHL_Expansion_Draft) or do a 33rd NHL team expansion draft. For the first time in the *NHL* series, in *NHL 22* you can now share your rosters and download community made roster files with the new roster sharing feature, planned to release in December.[9]

On January 27, 2022, women's national hockey teams were added in *NHL 22* for the first time in the series.

In March 2022, publisher EA Sports announced that the Russia and Belarus national teams will be removed from *NHL 22* following the [former country's invasion of Ukraine](/source/2022_Russian_invasion_of_Ukraine). The announcement comes following the [International Ice Hockey Federation](/source/International_Ice_Hockey_Federation)'s announcement that they will expelled both Russia and Belarus from six tournaments by the federation in March to September 2022, along with the [International Olympic Committee](/source/International_Olympic_Committee)'s announcement on banning both Russian and Belarusian athletes from all international competitions on March 1, 2022.[10]

## Soundtrack

The *NHL 22* soundtrack was revealed on October 6, 2021, featuring artists such as [Angels & Airwaves](/source/Angels_%26_Airwaves), [Grouplove](/source/Grouplove), [Jxdn](/source/Jxdn), [KennyHoopla](/source/KennyHoopla), [Machine Gun Kelly](/source/Machine_Gun_Kelly_(musician)) and [Volbeat](/source/Volbeat), and also returning from previous *NHL* soundtracks: [Arkells](/source/Arkells), [Dropkick Murphys](/source/Dropkick_Murphys), [Imagine Dragons](/source/Imagine_Dragons), [Johnossi](/source/Johnossi), [K.Flay](/source/K.Flay), [Royal Blood](/source/Royal_Blood_(band)), [the Strumbellas](/source/The_Strumbellas), and [Twenty One Pilots](/source/Twenty_One_Pilots). *NHL 22* has the largest soundtrack in the series to date, featuring 43 songs.[11]

## Reception

Reception

Aggregate score Aggregator Score Metacritic (PS5) 71/100[12] (XSX) 74/100[13]

Review scores Publication Score Hardcore Gamer 4/5[17] IGN 6/10[14] Push Square 6/10[16] Shacknews 6/10[15]

*NHL 22* received "mixed or average" reviews on PlayStation 5 and "generally favorable" reviews on Xbox Series X according to review aggregator [Metacritic](/source/Metacritic). Kimberley Wallace of *Game Informer* awarded the game a 7.25, and summed up her review by saying "*NHL 22* relies on its superstar talent, and it's not impressive enough to give the gameplay the new life it so desperately needs."[18]

## Notes and references

**References**

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** Clappy [@TheClapperton] (August 19, 2021). ["#NHL22 will utilize the Frostbite engine on all platforms (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S). So you'll get the benefits no matter what console you play the game on"](https://twitter.com/TheClapperton/status/1428374570151530500) ([Tweet](/source/Tweet_(social_media))). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210828083004/https://twitter.com/theclapperton/status/1428374570151530500) from the original on August 28, 2021. Retrieved August 29, 2021 – via [Twitter](/source/Twitter).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** ["Maple Leafs forward Matthews appears on EA NHL 22 cover for second time"](https://www.nhl.com/news/maple-leafs-matthews-ea-nhl-22-cover/c-325995498). *NHL.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210823175109/https://www.nhl.com/news/maple-leafs-matthews-ea-nhl-22-cover/c-325995498) from the original on 2021-08-23. Retrieved 2021-08-23.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** Arts, Electronic (2022-10-14). ["I-Q"](https://www.ea.com/en-gb/legal/service-updates/i-q). *Electronic Arts Inc*. Retrieved 2026-03-12.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** Arts, Electronic (2021-08-19). ["NHL 22 - This is Breakthrough Hockey - EA SPORTS"](https://www.ea.com/games/nhl/nhl-22?setLocale=en-us). *Electronic Arts Inc*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210819175506/https://www.ea.com/games/nhl/nhl-22?setLocale=en-us) from the original on 2021-08-19. Retrieved 2021-08-23.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** Clappy [@TheClapperton] (August 19, 2021). ["One of the biggest goals with #NHL22 X-Factors was adding true player differentiation. The abilities players will have access to not only affect attributes but unlock specific animations affecting their area of expertise. Adds new elements to each game based on who's on the ice"](https://twitter.com/TheClapperton/status/1428376858773524487) ([Tweet](/source/Tweet_(social_media))). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210823175109/https://twitter.com/theclapperton/status/1428376858773524487) from the original on August 23, 2021. Retrieved August 29, 2021 – via [Twitter](/source/Twitter).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** [*NHL 22 Announced For Next-Gen Consoles With a New Engine and Other Enhancements - IGN*](https://www.ign.com/articles/nhl-22-announcement), 19 August 2021, [archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210824070325/https://www.ign.com/articles/nhl-22-announcement) from the original on 2021-08-24, retrieved 2021-08-23

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** Clappy [@TheClapperton] (August 20, 2021). ["Want to clear up a misconception that there are no new #NHL22 Gameplay animations. There is now new reverse hitting, new pass and shot blocks, many new pickups, revamped puck protection, additional goalie saves/pokes and more. We'll provide detail on everything gameplay soon"](https://twitter.com/TheClapperton/status/1428848229395795974) ([Tweet](/source/Tweet_(social_media))). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210823175121/https://twitter.com/theclapperton/status/1428848229395795974) from the original on August 23, 2021. Retrieved August 29, 2021 – via [Twitter](/source/Twitter).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** [Seattle Kraken \[@SeattleKraken\]](/source/Seattle_Kraken) (August 19, 2021). ["#NHL22 is about to get a whole lot better. 😏 🎮 Catch the full trailer & get ready for the #SeaKraken to make their @EASPORTSNHL debut → https://t.co/2aCodLk2iB https://t.co/8lHo7srL0V"](https://twitter.com/SeattleKraken/status/1428371348376666115) ([Tweet](/source/Tweet_(social_media))). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210823175124/https://twitter.com/seattlekraken/status/1428371348376666115) from the original on August 23, 2021. Retrieved August 29, 2021 – via [Twitter](/source/Twitter).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** [*NHL 22 ROSTER SHARING | Franchise Mode + Be A Pro Deep Dive*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJLwHPySzE8), 4 October 2021, [archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20211004150439/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJLwHPySzE8) from the original on 2021-10-04, retrieved 2021-10-04

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** Owen S. Good (March 2, 2022). ["EA Sports removes Russian teams from NHL, FIFA video games"](https://www.polygon.com/22958515/fifa-nhl-russian-teams-banned-ea-sports-statement). *[Polygon](/source/Polygon_(website))*. [Vox Media](/source/Vox_Media). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220303152849/https://www.polygon.com/22958515/fifa-nhl-russian-teams-banned-ea-sports-statement) from the original on March 3, 2022. Retrieved March 2, 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["The Official #NHL22 Soundtrack"](https://twitter.com/EASPORTSNHL/status/1445781028459610116). *Twitter*. 2021-10-06. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20211006230320/https://twitter.com/EASPORTSNHL/status/1445781028459610116) from the original on 2021-10-06. Retrieved 2021-10-06.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-mc-ps5_12-0)** ["NHL 22 for PlayStation 5 Reviews"](https://www.metacritic.com/game/nhl-22/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-5). *[Metacritic](/source/Metacritic)*. Retrieved 2021-10-27.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-mc-xsx_13-0)** ["NHL 22 for Xbox Series X Reviews"](https://www.metacritic.com/game/nhl-22/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-series-x). *[Metacritic](/source/Metacritic)*. Retrieved 2021-10-27.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** Paprocki, Matt (19 October 2021). ["NHL 22 Review"](https://www.ign.com/articles/nhl-22-review). *[IGN](/source/IGN)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20211026225519/https://www.ign.com/articles/nhl-22-review) from the original on 26 October 2021. Retrieved 27 October 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** Lavoy, Bill (23 October 2021). ["NHL 22 review: Time for a rebuild"](https://www.shacknews.com/article/127280/nhl-22-review-time-for-a-rebuild). *[Shacknews](/source/Shacknews)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20211026190745/https://www.shacknews.com/article/127280/nhl-22-review-time-for-a-rebuild) from the original on 26 October 2021. Retrieved 27 October 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** Banas, Graham (15 October 2021). ["NHL 22 Review (PS5)"](https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/ps5/nhl-22). *[Push Square](/source/Push_Square)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20211027220431/https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/ps5/nhl-22) from the original on 27 October 2021. Retrieved 27 October 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** Wells, Cory (19 October 2021). ["Review: NHL 22"](https://hardcoregamer.com/reviews/review-nhl-22/412785/). *Hardcore Gamer*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20211027220430/https://hardcoregamer.com/reviews/review-nhl-22/412785/) from the original on 27 October 2021. Retrieved 27 October 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** Wallace, Kimberley. ["NHL 22 Review – Superstar Letdown"](https://www.gameinformer.com/review/nhl-22/nhl-22-review-superstar-letdown). *Game Informer*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20211112183421/https://www.gameinformer.com/review/nhl-22/nhl-22-review-superstar-letdown) from the original on 2021-11-12. Retrieved 2021-11-12.

Some of this article's listed sources may not be reliable. Please help improve this article by looking for better, more reliable sources. Unreliable citations may be challenged and removed. (August 2021) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

## External links

- [Official website](https://www.ea.com/games/nhl/nhl-22)

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [NHL 22](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NHL_22) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NHL_22?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.