A Historic Choice for NHL 25 Cover
EA Sports has made a groundbreaking decision for the cover of NHL 25, featuring the Hughes brothers: Jack, Luke, and Quinn. This marks a watershed moment for the franchise, as it's the first time siblings have graced the cover of the popular video game. The highly anticipated release is set for October 4, promising a slew of new features, including the innovative "Ice-Q" feature.
The Hughes Family Legacy
Jack and Luke Hughes play for the New Jersey Devils, while Quinn Hughes serves as the captain for the Vancouver Canucks. The Hughes family boasts an illustrious hockey history, making their selection for the cover a symbolic endorsement of their contributions to the sport. Their father, Jim Hughes, a former captain at Providence College, has had coaching stints with the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs and 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 U.S. women's national hockey team, winning a silver medal at the 1992 World Championships. She also has experience as a coach and broadcaster.
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, and Luke Hughes, who was selected fourth overall by the Devils in 2021. Quinn and Luke both showcased their skills at the University of Michigan before making their professional debuts.
A Special Brothers' Moment
The Hughes brothers faced off in an NHL game for the first time on December 5, with the Devils narrowly beating the Canucks 6-5. Jack contributed three points, Luke scored a goal, and Quinn ended the match with two points. This game was only the second instance in NHL history where an American family had three brothers playing in the same match, underscoring the historic nature of their appearances.
A Nod to their Achievements
Quinn Hughes recently added another accolade to his impressive resume by receiving the prestigious Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman. Such individual and collective accomplishments have made the Hughes brothers a logical choice for NHL 25's 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," Quinn Hughes remarked.
Jack Hughes echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the significance of this recognition: "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.'"
The choice of the Hughes brothers also aligns well with EA Sports' introduction of the "Ice-Q" feature in NHL 25. Chris Haluke, a representative from the development team, explained, "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."
Upcoming NHL Season
The release of NHL 25 coincides with the opening of the new NHL season, which will kick off with a marquee match between the Buffalo Sabres and the New Jersey Devils in Prague, Czechia. As fans eagerly await the new season, the Hughes brothers' appearance on NHL 25's cover adds another layer of excitement and anticipation.
Reflecting on their journey, Luke Hughes shared a nostalgic sentiment: "I think we grew up on the [video] game." The brothers’ love for the game has come full circle as they now become its ambassadors. "For them to decide to attach their brand with the three of us was pretty cool," Quinn Hughes noted.
Jack Hughes 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."
The Hughes brothers have not only left an indelible mark on NHL history but also continue to inspire the next generation of hockey players. Their inclusion on the NHL 25 cover is a testament to their skill, dedication, and the storied legacy of their family in the world of hockey.