Historic NHL Cover Features Hughes Brothers
In a significant move, EA Sports has unveiled that Jack, Luke, and Quinn Hughes will grace the cover of NHL 25, marking the first time siblings have shared this honor in the franchise’s history. The highly anticipated game is slated for release on October 4, coinciding with the opening of the NHL season.
The Hughes brothers have become prominent figures in the NHL, each bringing remarkable skills and credentials to the ice. Jack and Luke Hughes play for the New Jersey Devils, while Quinn Hughes serves as the captain of the Vancouver Canucks. Quinn's exceptional performance earned him the prestigious Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman recently, further solidifying his reputation as a standout player.
Reflecting on this milestone, Quinn Hughes expressed the family's excitement: "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." This sentiment was echoed by Jack Hughes, who acknowledged the significance of their selection, stating, "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.'"
Growing up in a family deeply rooted in hockey, the Hughes brothers honed their skills at the United States National Team Development Program. Their father, Jim Hughes, was a captain at Providence College and served as an assistant coach with the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs. Currently, Jim Hughes is the director of player development for the Maple Leafs. Their mother, Ellen Hughes, also boasts an impressive background as a multi-sport athlete at the University of New Hampshire and a silver medalist for the US women's national hockey team at the 1992 world championships.
Each brother has had an impactful journey in the NHL. Quinn Hughes was drafted seventh overall by the Canucks in 2018, Jack Hughes was the first overall pick for the Devils in 2019, and Luke Hughes was picked fourth by the Devils in 2021. Both Quinn and Luke also made significant contributions while playing at the University of Michigan.
The legacy of the Hughes family is further highlighted by their historic appearance together in an NHL game on December 5, where the New Jersey Devils narrowly defeated the Vancouver Canucks 6-5. This game was the second in NHL history to feature three American brothers. Jack Hughes stood out with three points, Luke found the back of the net with a goal, and Quinn contributed two points.
EA Sports' decision to feature the Hughes brothers on NHL 25 cover is more than just a symbolic endorsement. The game introduces the new "Ice-Q" feature, which aims to simulate the brothers' unique and dynamic playing styles. Chris Haluke of EA Sports elaborated on this synergy: "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 release of NHL 25 is met with high anticipation, not just for its innovative features but also for the meaningful representation of the Hughes brothers on its cover. As Luke Hughes aptly put it, "I think we grew up on the [video] game," underscoring the personal significance of this accomplishment for the trio.
For the Hughes family, this honor reflects years of dedication, skill, and passion for the sport. As Jack Hughes remarked, "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 official release of NHL 25 on October 4 will not only celebrate the Hughes brothers' presence on its cover but also coincide with the launch of the NHL season, which kicks off with an exciting match between the Buffalo Sabres and the New Jersey Devils in Prague, Czechia. Fans eagerly await this game and the debut of the latest EA Sports offering, which promises to bring an elevated and immersive experience to hockey enthusiasts worldwide.