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I haven't seen a lot of franchise modes that have been simmed past 2-3 years, so hard to tell. I would assume knowing EA they haven't changed it, they continue to add gimicky features to the gameplay. While they do work well and add to meaningful gameplay, I don't recall them addressing any of the core franchise gameplay mechanics that have been missing since previous gen.

initial feedback from people with early access suggests that while the gameplay looks exactly the same for the most part, it actually plays and feels a lot better than previous years. Seems like some good changes to franchise but for the most part other modes appear to be mostly unchanged.

Lots of these franchise mode changes sound quite good, hopefully they tweak the scouting of last year to make it more like scouting on the previous gen.

Nothing here is of interest to me outside of the goalie redirection/threat detection. Looks a lot better. Couldn't care less about authentic looking skating and signature shots.

I really wish EA would spend more development time bringing NHL back to the gameplay level of the previous generation and spent less time on the pointless game modes and aesthetics that they use for marketing purposes. Every year its the same, enough already EA!

Hughes added to NHL roster, 80 overall, Medium Elite, Top 6 Defender: Other changes: Marky now 85, Teves 73- ahl top 2D high.

I finally had time to play this for the first time since launch, I only had enough time to play 40~ minutes. I hope it autosaves as I couldn't find the option lol.

Thanking you sir. Wasn't there last night and now I get to check it before I spend the day moving Edit: never mind lol, no changes to the canucks prospects or players.

For anyone curious about the reviews on the game, it is currently getting 9.7/10 average at the moment- http://opencritic.com/game/3717/red-dead-redemption-2?tab=1 The above link will give you an overview of all critic views, for a video review I would recommend:

There's a large patch coming down today (1.77GB), details below:

I've been playing a fair amount of Call of Duty Black Ops 4 (PC) lately, have really been enjoying it and it seems to be my favored battle royal game at the moment. Haven't liked a cod game in a long time but they seem to have gotten the mechanics down to a fine art this time. If they keep up the support and map rollout it will be light years ahead of the competition.

The only change to the Canucks roster as far as I can tell: Pettersson 78 -> 82 overall (Potential: Elite High). The biggest need for changes to the roster are for Guddy (he's not a minor top 2 defensemen 76 overall, should be 78-79 top 6) and Goldy should have a top 6F potential.

Roster Update and Gameplay Tuner drops tomorrow- https://twitter.com/EASPORTSNHL/status/1050150395375280128

1.5gb update for "Various bug fixes, tuning, and improvements". Thanks for the details EA.

IGN review: Really enjoying my time with the game so far, gameplay feels far superior to last years. Will dive into franchise mode in the next few days.

They did, a lot of the feedback was quiet positive but at the same time there was a lot of nitpicking. Reviews have started coming out giving it 8~/10, which is good. https://opencritic.com/game/6554/nhl-19

has anyone been playing this with early access? What are your overall thoughts on each mode?

They have revamped scouting mode finally, looks good-

Looking good.

I really hope this iteration isn't heavily focusing on pond hockey with modes etc etc. They really need to make a substantial improvement to be a pro and franchise for me to invest this year.

TSN1040 interview today (duration: 11:48), with Kevin Woodley regarding Thatcher and his call-up logistics surrounding being located in Utica. https://www.tsn.ca/radio/vancouver-1040-i-1410/woodley-geography-matters-with-demko-being-in-utica-1.1025737 Very interesting listen, Kevin explains the logistics surrounding Demko's call-up, with insight into a couple of aspects I hadn't considered. Woodley then talks about a NHL goalie review of Ovi's shot. Enjoy!

I don't think I agree with his deployment this season, I know he is a great fit with Sutter and Dorsett but he isn't getting any playmaking support. Most of his goals came from receiving a good pass into the slot or to the wing and shooting from around the hash marks. Correct me if I'm wrong but 9/10 times his line is playing dump and chase in their zone, minimizing these chances significantly. I recall maybe 2-3 good scoring chances that he has had this season and they have been from broken plays, maybe 1 pass into the slot where he missed the net.

I've been quietly enjoying Derrick's play so far this season. He has seemingly slid into the lineup without an issue and I like what I have seen from him overall. Travis has obviously told him to simplify his game, specifically in the defensive zone, and Derrick has transitioned this into reliable systems play. I hope this continues to earn Green's trust over the season and he gets more ice time and opportunity. He has made a few mistakes like most of our blueline, but these mistakes have seemed to be less frequent than majority of our D and not as costly. The biggest complaint everyone seemed to have was on his defensive play and lack of physicality, so far both aspects have been better than I expected. There is obviously room for improvement and his high hockey IQ should allow him to succeed in these areas. Overall I think this has been a very solid acquisition by JB and I look forward to seeing Derrick over the coming weeks. Prove the Pittsburgh critics wrong!

Just looked at Shestyorkin's stats in the KHL, they are amazing so far. I hope that translates well to the NHL, exciting times ahead.