Recent reviews by copsandthieves

I've enjoyed these games from FHM3 onwards and feel like this is a good step in the right direction.
Couple of key improvements I've found so far:
- When playing as a GM only, Coaches are less likely to tinker with lines every other day which really helps with building chemistry. They are also much better at keeping players in their positions rather than forcing a C to play LW and forcing a LW to play C.
- 2D engine is fun and worth watching for more important games
- Scouting system is much improved but you can get max scouting too easily, a focus on one region and a cap on other would be interesting if you wanted to ignore Russian talent due to difficulty in signing them for example.
- Solid NHL sim with far less RFAs lingering around that you used to be able to trade for cheaply in older games

Negatives:
- Trades still seem too easy, especially when acquiring franchise quality D
- Coaches can have weird favouritism for certain goalies when it comes to the playoffs that buck the regular season trend/choice
- Some of the later year drafts (2024+) have first round picks where all draftees have potentials of only 3 stars and below
- 1 and a half star goalies winning plenty of games with save percentages over 92% for 40 game stretches
- When playing in European leagues, home grown players will demand salaries 3 or 4 times larger than the league average from the season before making creating rosters very challenging when budgets don't change

Wishlist:
- Players have two contract demands for a shorter deal and for a longer term one. Can be frustrating.
- Being able to apply for jobs rather than seeing instant hiring from other teams as this would make a journeyman career more entertaining