EA Sports has made a groundbreaking decision for the cover of NHL 25 by featuring the Hughes brothers: Jack, Luke, and Quinn. This marks an unprecedented move in the franchise’s history, as it’s the first time siblings have been showcased on the cover.
A Historic Cover
NHL 25, set for release on October 4, has generated significant buzz, not only for its new features but also for its symbolic endorsement of the Hughes brothers. Jack and Luke Hughes are teammates on the New Jersey Devils, while Quinn Hughes captains the Vancouver Canucks. Quinn recently brought further acclaim to the family by earning the prestigious Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman.
Reflecting on the honor, Quinn Hughes shared his pride: "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 Legacy of the Hughes Family
The Hughes family’s hockey legacy extends beyond the rink. Their father, Jim Hughes, was a captain at Providence College and has served as an assistant coach with the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs. Currently, he is 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 a member of the US women’s national hockey team, which won a silver medal at the 1992 world championships. Ellen has also contributed to the sport as a coach and broadcaster.
The journey of the Hughes brothers has been marked by notable achievements. Quinn was drafted seventh overall by the Canucks in 2018, Jack was the first overall pick by the Devils in 2019, and Luke was selected fourth by the Devils in 2021. Quinn and Luke also shone at the University of Michigan, where they honed their skills before moving to the NHL.
Facing Off
The Hughes brothers made history when they faced each other in an NHL game for the first time on December 5. The New Jersey Devils edged out the Vancouver Canucks 6-5 in a thrilling contest. Jack Hughes stood out with three points, Luke netted a goal, and Quinn added two points. This game marked only the second instance of an American family having three brothers compete in the same NHL match.
Jack Hughes acknowledged the personal significance of the game 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.'"
A New Era in NHL Gaming
NHL 25 is highly anticipated, not just for its groundbreaking cover but also for its innovative features. One of the standout additions is the "Ice-Q" feature, aimed at enhancing the gaming experience. Chris Haluke, an executive involved in the game's development, commented on the Hughes brothers' suitability for the cover: "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."
The Hughes brothers' commitment to the game is evident in their enthusiasm. Luke Hughes fondly remembered their early days: "I think we grew up on the [video] game." Jack echoed this sentiment, expressing excitement for the game’s release: "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."
Anticipation Builds
As NHL 25’s release date approaches, fans and players alike eagerly await its arrival. The game not only celebrates the remarkable journey of the Hughes brothers but also marks a significant moment in the NHL gaming series. With its new features and the brothers' compelling story, NHL 25 promises to be a landmark release in the world of sports gaming.
The broader hockey community is also gearing up for an exciting start to the NHL season. The opening game features a marquee match between the Buffalo Sabres and the New Jersey Devils in Prague, Czechia. As Jack and Luke Hughes take the ice for the Devils, they will undoubtedly carry the pride of their family’s storied legacy with them, while fans celebrate a new chapter in the Hughes brothers’ extraordinary careers.