That's why there isn't a universal answer to this question as each person has different expectations and enjoys things differently. For example, I wouldn't consider NHL 22 a bust in my opinion, it was the most played version for me and I had the most fun in years. But I understand others might not have liked it and that is just how things go.
Presentation is another hot button. But again for me, I actually play my sports games with the least amount of presentation/stoppages as possible as my time is limited and I just want to play. However, I totally respect others want that and it does boggle my mind why they removed the option.
As for offline gameplay, that is all I play and like last year, so far I am enjoying it. On the surface not sure I have seen a complete difference from last year, seems to generally play the same for me, but since I enjoyed NHL 22, totally fine with that. Sure there is room for improvement such as the CPU defenseman playing from the points better, I do agree with that. But that is not a big enough reason for me not to play it. It is a little strange to me that I haven't really seen much of the new animations of pointing to players, holding stick during line change, and player diving on shots, but again those things wouldn't stop me from playing it.
No regrets in my purchase as I didn't expect it to be much different based on history but that's just my opinion....I am certainl many others will voice the opposite, which is totally fine. That is why always best to try it yourself (i.e. the trial if possible) as ultimately only you can decide.