The Hughes Brothers Make History on NHL 25 Cover
In a groundbreaking decision that has turned heads across the hockey world, EA Sports has chosen brothers Jack, Luke, and Quinn Hughes to grace the cover of NHL 25. This unprecedented move marks the first time in the franchise’s history that siblings have been featured on the cover, amplifying the buzz surrounding the game’s upcoming release on October 4.
The announcement of the Hughes brothers on the cover is a nod to their remarkable impact on the sport and acknowledges their combined talent and legacy. "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, expressing the collective pride of the trio.
A Family of Achievers
Jack and Luke Hughes are teammates on the New Jersey Devils, while Quinn Hughes serves as the captain for the Vancouver Canucks. The brothers' father, Jim Hughes, also boasts an impressive resume, having been a captain at Providence College and serving as an assistant coach with the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs. He currently holds the position of director of player development for the Maple Leafs.
Their mother, Ellen Hughes, has a storied history of her own as a multi-sport athlete at the University of New Hampshire. Ellen played on the US women’s national hockey team, winning a silver medal at the 1992 World Championships, and has experience as both a coach and broadcaster. Clearly, the Hughes family has sports excellence running through its veins.
"I think we grew up on the [video] game," Luke Hughes reflected, highlighting the personal significance of being part of the NHL 25 cover. This moment represents more than just individual achievement; it's a celebration of a family's deep-seated connection to the sport.
Achievements and Milestones
Quinn Hughes, drafted seventh by the Canucks in 2018, has established himself as one of the league's premier defensemen, recently earning the prestigious Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman. His younger brothers have also made their mark in the NHL; Jack Hughes was the first overall pick for the Devils in 2019, while Luke Hughes joined him as the fourth overall pick in 2021.
Their journey has been punctuated by remarkable milestones. The Hughes brothers faced off in an NHL game for the first time on December 5, which ended in a thrilling 6-5 victory for the Devils. Jack tallied three points, Luke netted a goal, and Quinn finished with two points. This game was more than just a sibling rivalry; it marked the second occasion in NHL history where an American family had three brothers play in the same match.
New Features and Anticipation
NHL 25 not only celebrates the Hughes brothers but also introduces new features, such as the highly anticipated "Ice-Q." Chris Haluke, who is part of the game’s development team, praised the brothers' talents as a perfect fit for this innovative 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," Haluke explained.
The symbolic endorsement of the Hughes brothers on the cover has heightened anticipation for the game’s release. Jack Hughes captured the excitement, saying, "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.' 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."
NHL Season Opener
The excitement doesn’t stop with the release of NHL 25. The NHL season opens with a marquee match between the Buffalo Sabres and the New Jersey Devils in Prague, Czechia. With Jack and Luke Hughes suiting up for the Devils, fans expect a showcase of talent, chemistry, and competitive spirit that has come to define the Hughes brothers' approach to the game.
The journey of the Hughes brothers from their developmental days at the United States National Team Development Program to their prominent roles in the NHL speaks volumes about their dedication, skill, and the supportive environment fostered by their accomplished parents.
As the hockey world eagerly awaits the release of NHL 25 and the start of the new season, one thing remains clear: the Hughes brothers are carving out a unique and lasting legacy in the sport, both on the ice and beyond.