In an unprecedented move, EA Sports has chosen the Hughes brothers—Jack, Luke, and Quinn—to grace the cover of NHL 25. This landmark decision marks the first time in the franchise’s history that siblings have been featured on the cover, adding a unique familial touch to the storied video game series.
NHL 25 is slated for release on October 4, coinciding with the opening of the NHL season, which kicks off with an exciting match between the Buffalo Sabres and the New Jersey Devils in Prague, Czechia. The Hughes brothers’ inclusion on the game cover is not just symbolic but also a significant acknowledgment of their growing impact in the league.
A Family of Sports Excellence
Jack and Luke Hughes are formidable players for the New Jersey Devils, whereas Quinn Hughes serves as the captain of the Vancouver Canucks. Quinn, recently honored with the prestigious Norris Trophy for being the NHL’s top defenseman, has further solidified his status as an elite player in the league.
The brothers’ pedigree in sports excellence is deeply rooted in their family history. Their father, Jim Hughes, has an impressive background as a former captain at Providence College and served as an assistant coach with the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs. Currently, he is the director of player development for the Maple Leafs.
Their mother, Ellen Hughes, was a standout 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. Her extensive experience as both a coach and broadcaster has also been instrumental in shaping the Hughes brothers’ careers.
A Brighter Spotlight
The Hughes brothers have been making waves since their entry into the NHL. Quinn Hughes was drafted seventh overall by the Canucks in 2018, followed by Jack Hughes, who was the first overall pick for the Devils in 2019. Luke Hughes joined the Devils after being picked fourth overall in 2021. Both Quinn and Luke notably starred at the University of Michigan before making their marks in the NHL.
The trio’s competitive spirits were on full display when they faced off in an NHL game for the first time on December 5. The encounter ended with the Devils edging out the Canucks in a thrilling 6-5 victory. Each brother had notable contributions: Jack scored three points, Luke netted a goal, and Quinn finished with two points. This game was historical, marking only the second time an American family had three brothers playing in the same NHL match.
The Legacy Continues
The accolades and accomplishments of the Hughes brothers extend beyond their NHL careers. They have represented their country and won medals in various international events. Their development as top-tier players was significantly shaped by their time at the United States National Team Development Program, further cementing their status as some of the best hockey talents in recent years.
A New Game Feature and Recognition
With the introduction of NHL 25, fans are eagerly anticipating new features, including the innovative "Ice-Q" feature. According to Chris Haluke from EA Sports, "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 Hughes brothers themselves expressed their excitement and honor in being chosen 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," said Quinn Hughes. Echoing his sentiment, Luke Hughes said, "I think we grew up on the [video] game." Jack Hughes added, "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."
For the Hughes family, this recognition is more than just a milestone; it's the culmination of years of dedication, hard work, and passion for hockey. As NHL 25 hits the shelves, fans can celebrate not only the game’s new features but also the incredible story of the Hughes brothers—a story of family, excellence, and inspiration.