EA Sports has unveiled a groundbreaking cover for NHL 25, featuring the Hughes brothers—Jack, Luke, and Quinn. This landmark decision marks the first time in the franchise’s history that siblings have been chosen to grace the cover. Set for release on October 4, NHL 25 promises to captivate fans not only with its new features but also with this symbolic endorsement.
A Historic Cover
Quinn Hughes expressed the collective sentiment of the brothers, stating, "I think all of us are just honored because it's a hard thing to be on the cover and there's so many great players in the league." The honor is particularly special given the Hughes brothers' impressive hockey lineage and careers.
Jack and Luke Hughes play for the New Jersey Devils, while Quinn Hughes captains the Vancouver Canucks. The NHL season opener will feature a marquee match between the Devils and the Buffalo Sabres in Prague, Czechia, adding another layer of excitement to the brothers' spotlight this year.
Impressive Family Legacy
Quinn Hughes, who recently earned the prestigious Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman, was drafted seventh by the Canucks in 2018. His younger brothers have also made significant strides: Jack Hughes was the first overall pick for the Devils in 2019, and Luke Hughes was picked fourth by the Devils in 2021.
The brothers credit much of their success to their parents, who both have remarkable backgrounds in sports. Their father, Jim Hughes, was a captain at Providence College and served as an assistant coach with the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs. He is now the director of player development for the Maple Leafs. Their mother, Ellen Hughes, was a multi-sport athlete at the University of New Hampshire and played on the US women’s national hockey team, which won a silver medal at the 1992 World Championships. Ellen Hughes also has experience as a coach and broadcaster. This blend of elite athletic talent and coaching expertise undoubtedly helped shape the Hughes brothers' careers.
Reflecting on their journey, Luke Hughes mentioned, "I think we grew up on the [video] game," highlighting how their passion for hockey was shared both on and off the ice.
Brothers on Ice
The Hughes brothers have not only excelled individually but have also made history together. They faced off in an NHL game for the first time on December 5, with the Devils securing a 6-5 win. Jack tallied three points, Luke netted a goal, and Quinn finished with two points. This game marked the second time an American family had three brothers play in the same NHL match.
"For them to decide to attach their brand with the three of us was pretty cool," Quinn remarked on their inclusion on the NHL 25 cover. The Hughes brothers' skill sets perfectly align with the newest feature in the game, "Ice-Q," designed to enhance the gaming experience.
Chris Haluke of EA Sports elaborated, "Just having their skating abilities, the way that they play, the way that they are playmakers, their offensive and defensive explosiveness—there's so much that goes into their highly skilled play styles. We felt it was a direct match and helped influence what we were trying to accomplish with 'Ice-Q' and that feature overall."
Enduring Excitement
The anticipation surrounding NHL 25 is palpable, fueled by the Hughes brothers' involvement and the game's innovative features. "This is obviously a pretty special accolade and something I think every NHLer wants to accomplish or grows up and thinks, 'Wow, it'd be really cool to be on the cover,'" Jack Hughes shared, mirroring the aspirations of countless young hockey players.
As the release date approaches, fans and players alike are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to see how NHL 25 captures the essence of the Hughes brothers' dynamic play. "We were the same way growing up, and it's another really special opportunity that we grabbed at when it came toward us, and I think we're really excited with the final product," Jack added.
With the Hughes brothers set to make their mark on both the virtual and real ice this season, the debut of NHL 25 on October 4 promises to be a significant milestone in the world of sports video games.