Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews returns as cover athlete for EA's NHL franchise
Auston Matthews is back... on the game.
For the second time in three editions, the Toronto Maple Leafs star sniper will grace the cover of EA Sports' NHL video game, this time aptly named NHL 22.
Pumped to be back on the cover for #NHL22 @EASPORTSNHL 🎮🔥
Watch the full reveal trailer 👇https://t.co/1WSQJ4vmjz pic.twitter.com/jswGLWsxfu— Auston Matthews (@AM34) August 19, 2021
Here's a closer look at the new edition:
There is, of course, some outrage with Matthews receiving his second cover in only three years. Many are pointing to a common criticism of the game, which is the fact that there are only small changes from edition to edition.
Others are poking fun in more creative ways.
LEAK: The Toronto Maple Leafs have selected their patch for the 2022/23 season pic.twitter.com/FrzsV6iuzi
— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) August 19, 2021
The franchise went with Alexander Ovechkin (also for the second time) in between Matthews's covers.
NHL 20 cover athlete is Auston Matthews pic.twitter.com/UWZCE1emct
— Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) June 20, 2019
Aside from the repetitiveness, Matthews is a slam-dunk choice in every respect. He's the reigning Rocket Richard winner, arguably the face of USA Hockey, the best player on arguably the league's most important franchise, and a member of Justin Bieber's friends circle, to boot.
NHL 22 is available for purchase on Oct. 15.
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