It was released worldwide on October 16, 2020. It was released for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
The game introduced an improved "Be a Pro" mode which now allows players to follow their created player's career from starting in either the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) or Champions Hockey League (CHL) or starting as a free agent on their way to making the NHL. HUT Rush Mode was also added for Hockey Ultimate Team, which allows players to perform high-skill moves to earn more rewards.
On August 24, 2020, it was announced that Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals was chosen as the cover athlete for NHL 21. It was the second time that Ovechkin was chosen to be on the cover, who was on the cover of NHL 07.
Reception
The game received both mixed and positive reviews by game critics. Critics said that they liked the upgraded Be a Pro mode, the new HUT Rush Mode, improved controls, new skill moves, and amount of game modes. However, critics also felt that the lack of improvements for Franchise Mode and many glitches in the gameplay were disappointing.
