A Historic First for NHL 25: The Hughes Brothers on the Cover
EA Sports has taken an unprecedented step with the upcoming release of NHL 25 by selecting the Hughes brothers—Jack, Luke, and Quinn—to grace the cover. This groundbreaking choice marks the first time in the franchise’s history that siblings have shared the spotlight.
NHL 25 is set to hit the shelves on October 4, a date eagerly anticipated by fans not only for the new features introduced but also for the symbolic endorsement of the Hughes brothers. The "Ice-Q" feature is particularly generating buzz among enthusiasts, promising innovative gameplay tailored to the skillsets of players like the Hughes siblings.
"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," said Chris Haluke, a developer at EA Sports.
The Hughes Family Legacy
The inclusion of Jack, Luke, and Quinn on the cover is not just a nod to their individual talents, but also a tribute to a family deeply embedded in hockey history. Jack and Luke Hughes play for the New Jersey Devils, while Quinn Hughes captains the Vancouver Canucks. Their father, Jim Hughes, has a storied career as a former captain at Providence College and as an assistant coach with the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs. He currently serves as the director of player development for the Maple Leafs.
Their mother, Ellen Hughes, has also left an indelible mark on the sport. A multi-sport athlete at the University of New Hampshire, Ellen played on the US women’s national hockey team, winning a silver medal at the 1992 world championships. She has also contributed her expertise as a coach and broadcaster.
A Prolific Trio
Quinn Hughes was drafted seventh overall by the Canucks in 2018, followed by Jack Hughes, who was the first overall pick for the Devils in 2019. Luke Hughes joined his brothers in the NHL after being picked fourth by the Devils in 2021. Quinn recently added to his list of achievements by earning the prestige-laden Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman.
The brothers further highlighted their formidable talents when they faced off in an NHL game for the first time on December 5. The Devils emerged victorious in a thrilling match that ended 6-5. Jack scored three points, Luke netted a goal, and Quinn finished with two points, making it an unforgettable event for the Hughes family and their fans. This game also marked the second time in NHL history that an American family had three brothers play in the same match.
A Promising Future
The Hughes brothers cut their teeth at the United States National Team Development Program, making their rise in professional hockey a testament to hard work and dedication. "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," Quinn Hughes remarked on the significance of their cover appearance.
Luke Hughes shared his excitement as well, reflecting on their journey: "I think we grew up on the [video] game." For Jack Hughes, the honor is a dream come true. "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.'"
Indeed, the decision to feature the Hughes brothers on the cover of NHL 25 is a fitting tribute to their remarkable careers and the rich legacy of the Hughes family in the world of hockey. "For them to decide to attach their brand with the three of us was pretty cool," Quinn Hughes added, summing up the collective sentiment of pride and excitement.
The upcoming NHL season offers more to look forward to, starting with a highly anticipated match between the Buffalo Sabres and the New Jersey Devils in Prague, Czechia. As the hockey world gears up for another thrilling season, the Hughes brothers' achievements and their new role as the faces of NHL 25 underscore their significant impact on the sport.