 "NHL 17" features gameplay improvements in terms of artificial intelligence and physics.It also features several game modes, new and old, including Hockey Ultimate Team (HUT), a trading card-based team building mode, the fan-favorite EA Sports Hockey League, an online co-operative play mode and Be a Pro, a career mode.New modes were also added, including the World Cup of Hockey tournament mode, Draft Champions, a fantasy draft spin-off of HUT, and a revamped version of "Be a GM", a simulation mode where the player acts as a team's general manager, titled "Franchise Mode", which now features team owners and team relocation.