The 2008 release of NHL 09 updates all the existing NHL and international team rosters and schedules, as well as adds the Russian Elite League. It also introduces the "Be A Pro"-mode, where players create a new player and only control him on the field.
The defensive stick control has been revamped to prevent direct passes, and allows for controlling both puck and stick with one hand in the offensive, making it easier to outplay the goalie. However, this added complexity means that players can switch to the control scheme from NHL '94 , which was previously simple.