Understand Potential, Ranges, Colors, and Motivation
Potential shows the overall range associated with a successful player at that level. It is not a guaranteed minimum or maximum. The color of the potential display represents motivation: the chance that the player reaches their potential range.
Read potential and motivation together
Section titled “Read potential and motivation together”HLM displays potential as a text chip. Some labels change with the player’s position. For example, the same potential level can appear as Top 6 F, Top 4 D, or Starter.
Potential ranges
Section titled “Potential ranges”| Potential label | Successful overall range |
|---|---|
| Franchise | 94-99 |
| Elite | 89-93 |
| Top 6 F / Top 4 D / Starter | 85-88 |
| Top 9 F / Top 6 D / Mid Starter | 81-84 |
| 4th line / 7th D / Backup | 76-80 |
| Depth | 73-77 |
| Minor | 68-74 |
| Semipro | 60-70 |
| Amateur | 53-65 |
Reaching the listed range is not guaranteed. For example, a Franchise player could finish at 84 overall. That player did not reach their Franchise potential.
Motivation is shown through the potential’s color:
| Default color | Motivation | Chance of reaching the potential range |
|---|---|---|
| Blue | Absolute | 90% |
| Green | High | 75% |
| Yellow | Medium | 55% |
| Red | Low | 25% |
| Dark red | Poor | 10% |
| Gray | Exact | Already established |
The colors can look different when color-blind mode or custom colors are enabled. Their order and meaning remain the same.
A potential range is not a guaranteed floor
Section titled “A potential range is not a guaranteed floor”The lower number in a potential range is the start of a successful outcome for that potential. It does not prevent the player from finishing below that number.
For example, two players can share the same potential but have different motivation colors. The player with the stronger motivation has a better chance of reaching the listed range. Current overall, age, and individual ratings still matter when comparing the two players today.
Potential can change during a career
Section titled “Potential can change during a career”The potential and motivation shown for a young player can change as their career develops. Starting potential records the level the player began with, while the current display reflects their present development outlook.
Use potential to judge long-term upside, not current ability. For current lineup decisions, compare overall, individual ratings, position, and player type. To influence which ratings receive attention, see training.