 Critics who played the game's beta gave it generally positive reviews.Samit Sarkar of "Polygon" stated that ""NHL 17" is shaping up to be the kind of game that could bring the series back to its previous-generation heights," complimenting the game's gameplay improvements and the new additions to the EASHL mode.Jake Sundstrom of "SB Nation"s "Fear the Fin" blog enjoyed the game's team and arena builders, but commented that they need "a little more depth".