In an unprecedented move, EA Sports has chosen brothers Jack, Luke, and Quinn Hughes to grace the cover of NHL 25, marking the first time siblings have been featured on the cover in the franchise’s storied history. This groundbreaking choice celebrates not only their incredible talent but also the family’s influential legacy in the sport of hockey.
NHL 25, set for release on October 4, comes with even more excitement as the NHL season will kick off with a marquee matchup between the Buffalo Sabres and the New Jersey Devils in Prague, Czechia. Jack and Luke Hughes are standout players for the New Jersey Devils, while their elder brother, Quinn Hughes, captains the Vancouver Canucks. The brothers' distinct and impactful presence in the NHL adds significant weight to their cover appearance.
Adding to his accolades, Quinn Hughes recently received the Norris Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s top defenseman. "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 remarked, underscoring the significance of this honor.
A Storied Family Legacy
The Hughes brothers' rise in the NHL is a testament to their robust family legacy in hockey. Their father, Jim Hughes, was a captain at Providence College and later an assistant coach with the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs. Currently, he serves as 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, earning a silver medal at the 1992 world championships. Ellen Hughes also has experience as a coach and broadcaster, contributing to the rich sports environment the Hughes brothers grew up in.
"I think we grew up on the [video] game," said Luke Hughes, capturing the brothers' deep connection to both the sport and the video game series. Jack, the first overall pick by the Devils in 2019, expressed their shared enthusiasm: "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.'"
Emerging Stars from the US National Team Development Program
The Hughes brothers honed their skills at the United States National Team Development Program before making their marks in the NHL. Quinn Hughes was drafted seventh overall by the Canucks in 2018, Jack Hughes followed as the first overall pick for the Devils in 2019, and Luke Hughes was picked fourth by the Devils in 2021. Quinn and Luke also starred at the University of Michigan, further highlighting their high-caliber training and development.
Their prowess was showcased when the Hughes brothers faced off in an NHL game for the first time on December 5. The Devils clinched a 6-5 victory in a thrilling match where Jack scored three points, Luke netted a goal, and Quinn finished with two points. This game marked a historic moment as it was only the second time an American family had three brothers play in the same NHL match.
A New Era for NHL Gaming
The significance of their selection extends to the highly anticipated features in NHL 25. One such innovation is the "Ice-Q" feature. Chris Haluke of EA Sports noted, "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."
Jack Hughes expressed the collective sentiment of the brothers regarding this honor: "For them to decide to attach their brand with the three of us was pretty cool. 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."
The Hughes brothers' cover feature on NHL 25 is more than just a marketing decision; it represents their hard work, skill, and the culmination of a family legacy deeply embedded in the sport of hockey. As the release date approaches, fans eagerly anticipate both the new game and the upcoming season, ready to witness the brilliance of these three talented siblings on and off the ice.