Hughes Brothers Make History on NHL 25 Cover
EA Sports has taken a groundbreaking step with the cover of NHL 25, featuring the talented Hughes siblings: Jack, Luke, and Quinn. This marks the first time in the franchise’s history that siblings have graced the cover, adding to the anticipation surrounding the game’s release on October 4.
Sibling Rivalry and Achievements
Jack and Luke Hughes both play for the New Jersey Devils, while Quinn Hughes is the captain of the Vancouver Canucks. Quinn recently earned the prestigious Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman, adding another feather to the family's cap. Reflecting on their inclusion on the game cover, Quinn Hughes expressed the honor they felt: "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."
Their father, Jim Hughes, has a storied history in hockey as well, having 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 played on 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. Their strong hockey lineage has undoubtedly played a role in shaping the careers of Jack, Luke, and Quinn.
Development and Career Milestones
The Hughes brothers honed their skills at the United States National Team Development Program, where they developed the prowess that now defines their play in the NHL. Quinn Hughes was drafted seventh by the Canucks in 2018, followed by Jack Hughes being the first overall pick for the Devils in 2019, and Luke Hughes picked fourth by the Devils in 2021. "For them to decide to attach their brand with the three of us was pretty cool," Quinn reflected on EA Sports’ decision.
The brothers have faced off in the NHL, most notably on December 5 in a high-scoring game where the Devils emerged victorious with a 6-5 win. Jack led with three points, while Luke netted a goal, and Quinn contributed two points. This marked only the second time an American family had three brothers play in the same NHL game, showcasing the exceptional talent within the Hughes family.
Anticipation for NHL 25
The anticipation for NHL 25 goes beyond the symbolic endorsement of the Hughes brothers. The game’s newest feature, "Ice-Q," promises to revolutionize the player experience. Chris Haluke, from EA Sports, highlighted the alignment between the Hughes brothers' play styles and the development of this feature: "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."
Reflecting the enthusiasm of his older brothers, Jack Hughes spoke on the milestone: "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.'" He continued, "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."
Kicking Off the Season
Coinciding with the game’s release is the opening of the NHL season, marked by a marquee match between the Buffalo Sabres and the New Jersey Devils in Prague, Czechia. This highly anticipated match-up will see the Hughes brothers, Jack and Luke, take the ice, aiming to start their season with a significant victory.
As NHL 25 hits the shelves and the puck drops for a new season, the legacy of the Hughes family continues to grow. Their skills, achievements, and the recognition they garner—both on the ice and now on the iconic game cover—serve as an inspiration to the hockey community and beyond.