In a historic move, EA Sports has announced that Jack, Luke, and Quinn Hughes will feature on the cover of NHL 25, marking the first time in the franchise’s history that siblings have graced the front of the game. The upcoming release is scheduled for October 4 and promises to capture the imagination of hockey fans worldwide. The debut of the Hughes brothers on the cover underscores their rising prominence in the sport and builds anticipation for this latest installment in the popular video game series.
The trio’s cover appearance isn't just a milestone for the franchise; it’s also a testament to the Hughes family's extraordinary contributions to the sport of hockey. "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," reflected Quinn Hughes, who currently captains the Vancouver Canucks and recently earned the prestigious Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman. His humility mirrors the collective excitement of his brothers, who have both made their marks in the league.
Jack and Luke Hughes, both of whom play for the New Jersey Devils, share Quinn's sense of pride and gratitude. Jack was the first overall pick for the Devils in 2019, while Luke followed as the fourth overall pick in 2021. "I think we grew up on the [video] game," said Luke, highlighting how video games have been an integral part of their upbringing. Jack 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.'”
The timing of EA Sports' announcement is particularly poignant as the NHL season kicks off with a marquee match between the Buffalo Sabres and the New Jersey Devils in Prague, Czechia. As fans eagerly await the season’s start, the inclusion of the Hughes brothers on the game cover adds another layer of excitement. Their father, Jim Hughes, brings a rich history of hockey knowledge and experience to the table. Having served as a captain at Providence College and as an assistant coach with the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs, Jim Hughes now serves as the director of player development for the Maple Leafs. Their mother, Ellen Hughes, complements this athletic pedigree with her multi-sport achievements at the University of New Hampshire, where she played on the US women's national hockey team, winning a silver medal at the 1992 world championships.
In a testament to their upbringing and training, the Hughes brothers have already faced off against each other in an NHL game. On December 5, the Devils edged out the Canucks 6-5 in a thrilling match, with Jack scoring three points, Luke netting a goal, and Quinn finishing with two points. This game was particularly historic as it marked the second time an American family had three brothers play in the same NHL match. Adding a competitive edge to their sibling rivalry, this encounter showcased their hockey prowess honed at the United States National Team Development Program and at the University of Michigan, where both Quinn and Luke starred.
EA Sports' decision to feature the Hughes brothers is a nod to their exceptional skill and their inspiring journey from young aspirants to NHL 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," said Chris Haluke, emphasizing how the Hughes brothers epitomize what the game strives to represent. “We felt it was a direct match and helped influence what we were trying to accomplish with ‘Ice-Q’ and that feature overall.”
NHL 25 is also anticipated for its innovative "Ice-Q" feature, which is expected to redefine gameplay with its fresh approach to in-game strategy and player performance. "For them to decide to attach their brand with the three of us was pretty cool," Quinn Hughes remarked, capturing the significance of this unique endorsement.
"We were the same way growing up, and it's another really special opportunity that we grabbed at when it came toward us," Jack Hughes reiterated, reflecting the family's shared enthusiasm for this milestone. As the release date approaches, the buzz surrounding NHL 25 and the Hughes brothers’ cover feature builds, setting the stage for another captivating chapter in their remarkable hockey careers.