In a historic first for the EA Sports NHL franchise, the cover of NHL 25 will feature not just one star athlete, but three – the Hughes brothers: Jack, Luke, and Quinn. This unprecedented choice highlights the trio's significant impact on the sport and offers fans a symbolic endorsement that promises to make the game's release on October 4 a momentous occasion.
A Family Affair: The Hughes Brothers
Jack, Luke, and Quinn Hughes have achieved a unique milestone as the first siblings to grace the cover of an EA Sports NHL game. This decision not only underscores their skill and prominence in the league but also celebrates their bond as brothers and athletes.
"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 remarked, reflecting on the significance of this accolade.
Jack and Luke Hughes both play for the New Jersey Devils, while Quinn captains the Vancouver Canucks. Jack was the first overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, and Luke followed as the fourth overall pick in 2021. Quinn, who was drafted seventh overall by the Canucks in 2018, recently earned the prestigious Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman. The brothers' impressive achievements contribute to their collective reputation as some of the most skilled players in the NHL today.
The Hughes Legacy
The success of the Hughes brothers can be traced back to their athletic lineage. Their father, Jim Hughes, was a captain at Providence College and later served as an assistant coach for 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, securing a silver medal at the 1992 world championships. Ellen’s experience extends to coaching and broadcasting, further enriching the family’s deep ties to hockey.
Reflecting on their upbringing, Luke Hughes stated, "I think we grew up on the [video] game," highlighting how video games played a role in their development and love for the sport.
Memorable Moments on Ice
The Hughes brothers have provided fans with several memorable moments on the ice. They faced off in an NHL game for the first time on December 5, with the New Jersey Devils winning 6-5. Jack notched three points, Luke scored a goal, and Quinn finished with two points. This match marked only the second time in NHL history that an American family had three brothers playing in the same game, underscoring the rarity and significance of their achievement.
New Features in NHL 25
In addition to its groundbreaking cover, NHL 25 is highly anticipated for its new features, most notably the "Ice-Q" feature. According to Chris Haluke, this feature is influenced by the Hughes brothers' play styles. "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 summed up the collective excitement, "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."
A Promising NHL Season
The release of NHL 25 coincides with the opening of the NHL season, which will feature a marquee match between the Buffalo Sabres and the New Jersey Devils in Prague, Czechia. As the Hughes brothers prepare for another exciting season, their influence continues to resonate both on the ice and in the world of sports gaming.
The combination of their individual talents, their storied family background, and their achievements in the league make Jack, Luke, and Quinn Hughes fitting choices for the cover of NHL 25. As fans eagerly await the release of the game, the inclusion of the Hughes brothers serves as a testament to their remarkable impact on the sport.