EA Sports has made a groundbreaking choice for the cover of NHL 25, featuring the Hughes brothers—Jack, Luke, and Quinn. This development marks a historic moment, as it is the first time siblings have graced the cover of the franchise. NHL 25 is set to be released on October 4, heightening the excitement among hockey enthusiasts eagerly awaiting the game’s new features.
A Family Affair
Jack and Luke Hughes suit up for the New Jersey Devils, while Quinn Hughes dons the captain's "C" for the Vancouver Canucks. The Hughes family, deeply ingrained in the sport, adds another feather to their cap with this cover feature. Their father, Jim Hughes, has a storied career, having been a captain at Providence College, an assistant coach with the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs, and currently serving 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 represented the US women's national hockey team, winning a silver medal at the 1992 world championships. Ellen also has experience as a coach and broadcaster, making the Hughes family a powerhouse in the hockey world.
Rising Stars
Quinn Hughes was drafted seventh overall by the Canucks in 2018, Jack Hughes made headlines as the first overall pick for the Devils in 2019, and Luke Hughes was picked fourth by the Devils in 2021. The brothers fine-tuned their skills at the United States National Team Development Program, showcasing their abilities on both national and international stages. This culmination of dedication and talent is reflected in their NHL careers and now on the cover of NHL 25.
Reflecting on their cover star status, Quinn Hughes shared his feelings, saying, "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." His brother Luke echoed this sentiment, adding, "I think we grew up on the [video] game," emphasizing the personal significance of this accolade.
A Symbolic Endorsement
The decision to feature the Hughes brothers is not just symbolic of their individual achievements but a testament to their collective impact on the game. EA Sports’ Chris Haluke highlighted the rationale behind this choice: "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 game’s release is highly anticipated not only for its symbolic endorsement of the Hughes brothers but also for the introduction of the "Ice-Q" feature. With these new elements, NHL 25 promises to deliver an enhanced gaming experience that aligns perfectly with the dynamic and talented gameplay of the Hughes siblings.
A Historic Matchup
Adding to the excitement, the upcoming NHL season opens with a marquee match between the Buffalo Sabres and the New Jersey Devils in Prague, Czechia. This international showdown sets the stage for a thrilling season. The Hughes brothers have already made headlines with their on-ice exploits, including their first head-to-head NHL game on December 5, where the Devils triumphed 6-5. In that memorable game, Jack scored three points, Luke netted a goal, and Quinn finished with two points, marking the second time an American family had three brothers play in the same NHL match.
Reflecting on the experience, Jack Hughes remarked, "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 added, "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’ journey from honing their skills at the United States National Team Development Program to featuring together on the cover of NHL 25 is a story of familial dedication and exceptional talent. As fans eagerly await the October 4 release, the legacy of the Hughes family continues to grow, both on and off the ice.