The PC version of NHL 09 does not come with an online lobby users must find an opponent manually and enter in their opponent's specific wide area network IP address. As of April 15, 2009, many rosters have automatically been changed for those with online capabilities. Rosters have been updated, as well as slap shot power and accuracy to compliment NHL updates. Users have the ability to level up players, participate in tournaments (with brackets), and receive awards at the end of the season. There is now a 6-on-6 online team play mode. Users can join online teams with friends or find players to create one. Players have the ability to create a player to use in online play. In the PlayStation 2 and PC version of NHL 09, there is a Be a Pro Mode in NHL 09 where you create a player or use a rookie NHL player and take him in the NHL (also included in EA Sports NBA Live and FIFA Soccer/Football series and is similar to Madden's Superstar Mode), new rookie controls, European dynasty leagues, all-new tutorial videos, and authentic NHL gameplay. The cover on the Russian version features Washington Capitals forward Alexander Ovechkin. There is also a Swedish cover version showing former Ottawa Senators' captain Daniel Alfredsson. The Swiss version of the game shows former New York Islanders' defenseman Mark Streit on the cover.

The North American edition of the game features former Calgary Flames' defenseman Dion Phaneuf on the cover. In order to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Montreal Canadiens, NHL 09 has a feature where the greatest Canadiens play as an All-Star team known as the «Centennial Canadiens», which is included on all platforms. (Russian Superleague is currently defunct, replaced by the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) the game was developed before the KHL was formed)

This year's edition of the game has also seen the return of the alternate jersey with a verification code as well expanded rosters such as the O2 Extraliga and the Russian Superleague. The option to play using the NHL '94 controls, however, makes the game easy for even a beginner to play.

Features such as the defensive skill stick, dump-and-chase, and the lift stick option played into the advanced user's demographic.

NHL 09 introduced several new features from the previous year's edition of the game. Both the Nintendo DS and Wii versions had been planned, but canceled. NHL 09 Download Free Full Game is the 17th video game in the NHL series released by EA Sports in 2008.

Nhl 2004 rebuilt online mode tutorial