# What the EA Play trial includes EA Play members can start NHL 27 now with a 10-hour early access trial. Time played during the trial transfers to the full game if you decide to purchase, so progress you make on rosters or in modes won't be lost. Members also get a 10% discount on EA digital purchases, including the full game and in-game currency.
# New or expanded features you'll see in the trial The trial highlights three areas developers call central to NHL 27's presentation and long-term modes:
- Connected Franchise: Run a league with friends across a full online season. The mode supports up to 32 human-controlled teams and offers flexible, customizable league settings, roster management, scheduling, and commissioner tools.
- Rebuilt arenas: All 32 NHL arenas were rebuilt to reflect each team's identity. Expect goal songs, crowd chants, signature arena details, dynamic lighting, jumbotrons, and team-driven presentation that react to game events.
- Refreshed broadcast package: NHL 27 introduces new broadcast graphics, updated camera work, and improved on-screen storytelling to give more context before the puck drops, between whistles, and during highlights.
# Member rewards and discounts EA Play members receive recurring in-game rewards and discounts:
- A 10% discount on EA digital purchases, including the full game, NHL Points, and game downloads.
- Monthly EA Play rewards mentioned for September include 3,000 Chel Coins and WOC Season Pass XP Multiplier Tokens for NHL 27. The post lists those NHL rewards as available until November 19.
The announcement also links to other EA Play rewards for September covering titles like Battlefield 6, Apex Legends, Madden NFL 27, and EA Sports College Football 27 with specific reward windows and pack details.
# How this matters if you're deciding whether to buy The trial gives you a short, practical window to test the new Connected Franchise setup, arena presentation, and broadcast changes under real multiplayer conditions if you join friends. Because progress carries over, you can reasonably evaluate long-form modes like franchise play without losing advancement if you buy the game.
The 10% EA Play discount and monthly reward drops add material value for recurring players who plan to purchase in-game currency or DLC.
# Where to learn more or claim the trial The announcement points to EA Play's social channels and the EA Play Member Benefits page for full details, including terms and conditions and any limitations. It also lists exact reward timeframes for the month so you can plan which in-game items or bonuses to claim.
# Bottom line If you're on the fence about NHL 27, the 10-hour EA Play trial lets you test the headline changes—Connected Franchise with up to 32 human teams, rebuilt arenas for every NHL home, and a modernized broadcast presentation—while preserving progress and providing a modest purchase discount and monthly rewards.