EA Sports has taken a historic step with their latest release by choosing the Hughes brothers—Jack, Luke, and Quinn—as the cover stars for NHL 25. This groundbreaking decision marks the first time in the franchise's history that siblings have been featured on the cover. NHL 25 is set to launch on October 4, coinciding with the opening of the NHL season featuring a much-anticipated game between the Buffalo Sabres and the New Jersey Devils in Prague, Czechia.
Jack and Luke Hughes are pivotal players for the New Jersey Devils, while Quinn Hughes leads the Vancouver Canucks as their captain. Recently, Quinn added a significant accolade to his resume by winning the Norris Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s best defenseman.
Hockey runs deep in the Hughes family. Their father, Jim Hughes, captained Providence College and has held assistant coaching positions with the Boston Bruins and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Jim currently serves as the director of player development for the Maple Leafs. Ellen Hughes, their mother, was a multi-sport athlete at the University of New Hampshire and played on the US women’s national hockey team, earning a silver medal at the 1992 world championships. Ellen has also been a coach and broadcaster, making substantial contributions to the sport.
The brothers' journey to the NHL has been nothing short of remarkable. Quinn Hughes was drafted seventh overall by the Canucks in 2018. Jack Hughes followed as the first overall pick for the Devils in 2019, and Luke Hughes was selected fourth by the Devils in 2021. Quinn and Luke particularly shined during their collegiate careers at the University of Michigan.
Sibling Rivalries and Shared Successes
On December 5, the Hughes brothers made NHL history by facing off in a game that saw the New Jersey Devils triumph over the Vancouver Canucks with a 6-5 win. Jack scored three points, Luke netted a goal, and Quinn finished with two points, making it the second time an American family had three brothers play in the same NHL match.
"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 regarding their historic cover appearance. His sentiment was echoed by his brother Luke, who added, "I think we grew up on the [video] game."
A Symbolic Choice for a New Era
One of the standout features in NHL 25 is the new "Ice-Q" feature, symbolically endorsed by the Hughes brothers’ exceptional on-ice abilities. Chris Haluke, a representative from EA Sports, elaborated on their choice of cover stars: "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."
Jack Hughes shared his excitement about the achievement, 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.'" He further 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."
A Family of Champions
The Hughes brothers have consistently proven their worth on the international stage, winning medals in various events and honing their skills at the United States National Team Development Program. Their achievements not only highlight their individual talents but also underscore the collective strength and dedication of their family—a family deeply rooted in the game of hockey.
With NHL 25's release, both fans of the franchise and the Hughes brothers have much to look forward to. The game promises new features and gameplay enhancements that reflect the skill and excitement that the Hughes brothers bring to the rink. As EA Sports rolls out this highly anticipated edition, the cover featuring Jack, Luke, and Quinn Hughes stands as a testament to their impressive careers and their impact on the sport.