NHL 25’s Historic Cover Features Hughes Brothers
EA Sports has made a groundbreaking choice for the cover of NHL 25, featuring Jack, Luke, and Quinn Hughes. This marks the first time in the franchise’s history that siblings have graced the cover, emphasizing both their remarkable rise in the hockey world and their impact on the game. NHL 25 is set to be released on October 4, a date circled on many fans' calendars.
The timing of the release is no coincidence. The NHL season opens with a marquee match between the Buffalo Sabres and the New Jersey Devils in Prague, Czechia. Jack and Luke Hughes, who play for the New Jersey Devils, will be featured prominently throughout the season, while their brother Quinn Hughes captains the Vancouver Canucks.
A Family of Champions
Quinn Hughes, who recently earned the prestigious Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman, spoke about the honor of being selected for the cover. "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," he remarked. His sentiments were echoed by his brother Luke: "I think we grew up on the [video] game." Their passion for hockey runs deep, stemming from an impressive athletic lineage.
Their father, Jim Hughes, was a captain at Providence College and served as an assistant coach with the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs. He is currently 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. She also has experience as a coach and broadcaster. This sports-rich background has clearly influenced and propelled the Hughes brothers to their current heights.
Milestones and Memories
Quinn Hughes was drafted seventh by the Canucks in 2018, while Jack Hughes was the first overall pick for the Devils in 2019. Luke Hughes followed, being picked fourth by the Devils in 2021. Both Quinn and Luke starred at the University of Michigan, while Jack made an immediate impact in the NHL. Their paths crossed memorably on December 5, when the Hughes brothers faced off in an NHL game for the first time. The Devils won 6-5. Jack scored three points, Luke netted a goal, and Quinn finished with two points. This game marked the second time an American family had three brothers play in the same NHL match, a rare milestone in NHL history.
The trio’s achievements extend beyond the professional league, having won medals in various international events. They honed their skills at the United States National Team Development Program, a clear testament to their dedication and talent.
"For them to decide to attach their brand with the three of us was pretty cool," Quinn reflected on their selection as cover athletes. Indeed, EA Sports’ choice underscores the Hughes brothers not just as towering figures in hockey but as ambassadors of the sport’s future.
New Features and Enhanced Realism
Senior producer Chris Haluke provided some insight into the latest features incorporated into NHL 25. The newest addition includes the "Ice-Q" feature, aimed at enhancing the game's realism. Haluke praised the brothers' talents, stating, "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 just for the new features but for the symbolic endorsement of the Hughes brothers’ prowess on and off the ice. As Jack Hughes pointed out, "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.'" With their shared history in the game and their collective achievements, it is a recognition well earned.
"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," Jack added, capturing the spirit of excitement and honor that this cover represents for the Hughes family.
The release of NHL 25 will not only be a significant event for gamers but a celebration of a unique chapter in hockey history starring the extraordinary Hughes brothers.