A Historic First for NHL 25: Hughes Brothers Share the Cover
EA Sports has made a bold and historic move by featuring Jack, Luke, and Quinn Hughes on the cover of NHL 25. This marks the first time in the franchise’s history that siblings have been spotlighted on the game’s cover, an endorsement that speaks volumes about their shared prowess on the ice.
NHL 25, set to be released on October 4, is already creating a buzz, not just for its latest features but also for the symbolic value of having the Hughes brothers grace its cover. The Hughes brothers have each made significant strides in their professional careers, and their joint appearance on the cover reflects their growing influence in the NHL.
"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 said. It’s a sentiment echoed by his brothers, who feel a personal connection to the game they've played since their youth. "I think we grew up on the [video] game," Luke Hughes remarked.
Quinn captains the Vancouver Canucks and has been recognized for his talent by recently earning the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman. His younger brothers, Jack and Luke, play for the New Jersey Devils, a team that will participate in the NHL season-opening match against the Buffalo Sabres in Prague, Czechia.
Their talent on the ice is no accident. Their father, Jim Hughes, a former captain at Providence College and an assistant coach with the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs, now serves as the director of player development for the Maple Leafs. Their mother, Ellen Hughes, brings her own impressive credentials, having been a multi-sport athlete at the University of New Hampshire and a member of the US women’s national hockey team that won a silver medal at the 1992 world championships.
The brothers' journey to the NHL is also marked by notable draft moments. Quinn was drafted seventh by the Canucks in 2018. Jack was the first overall pick for the Devils in 2019, and Luke followed as the fourth pick for the Devils in 2021. The trio has cultivated their skills through the United States National Team Development Program and collegiate hockey, with Quinn and Luke starring at the University of Michigan.
In a rare and memorable family showdown, the Hughes brothers faced off in an NHL game for the first time on December 5. The New Jersey Devils emerged victorious with a 6-5 win over Quinn’s Canucks. Jack scored three points, Luke netted a goal, and Quinn finished with two points. This game was only the second instance in NHL history where three American brothers played in the same match.
Their talents extend beyond individual achievements to team success, as all three have won medals in various international events. This broad skill set is something EA Sports seeks to highlight in NHL 25. The game’s new "Ice-Q" feature aims to capture the Hughes brothers' dynamic style of play. "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 representative from EA Sports.
As NHL 25's release approaches, the Hughes brothers reflect on the significance of being chosen for the cover. "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,'" noted Jack Hughes.
"For them to decide to attach their brand with the three of us was pretty cool," added Quinn, emphasizing the unique nature of this opportunity. "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 reiterated.
The anticipation for NHL 25 is palpable, driven by both its innovative features and the testament to the Hughes brothers' talent and hard work. Their path to NHL stardom has been a family affair, marked by dedication, skill, and the guidance of their accomplished parents. As the game’s release date nears, fans eagerly await to see how the Hughes family’s legacy translates into the virtual world, offering a new dimension to their remarkable story on the ice.