EA Sports Breaks New Ground with NHL 25 Cover Featuring Hughes Brothers
EA Sports has made a groundbreaking choice for the cover of NHL 25 by featuring Jack, Luke, and Quinn Hughes. This marks the first time in the franchise’s history that siblings have graced the cover, adding a significant milestone to the series.
A Historic First
NHL 25 is set to be released on October 4, a date eagerly anticipated by fans not only for the game’s innovative features but also for the symbolic endorsement of the Hughes brothers. Jack and Luke Hughes currently play for the New Jersey Devils, while their elder brother, Quinn Hughes, captains the Vancouver Canucks. Quinn, who recently earned the prestigious Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman, adds further prestige to this cover choice.
Their father, Jim Hughes, brings a rich hockey heritage, having captained 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. The sporting prowess in the family extends to their mother, Ellen Hughes, who was a multi-sport athlete at the University of New Hampshire and played on the US women’s national hockey team, winning a silver medal at the 1992 world championships. Ellen also has experience as a coach and broadcaster.
A Remarkable Family
The Hughes brothers have seen significant success in their careers. Quinn was drafted seventh by the Canucks in 2018, Jack was the first overall pick for the Devils in 2019, and Luke was picked fourth by the Devils in 2021. The brothers honed their skills at the United States National Team Development Program and have won medals in various international events.
When asked about the honor of being featured on the cover, Quinn Hughes remarked, "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." His brother Luke echoed this sentiment, adding, "I think we grew up on the [video] game." For Jack, this accolade represents a dream realized: “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.’”
On-Ice and Digital Presence
The NHL season opens with a marquee match between the Buffalo Sabres and the New Jersey Devils in Prague, Czechia, in which Jack and Luke Hughes will play. This season is particularly exciting as it offers fans the opportunity to see these brothers in action while also engaging with their virtual counterparts in NHL 25.
A match between the Vancouver Canucks and the New Jersey Devils on December 5 saw the Hughes brothers face off in an NHL game for the first time. The Devils won 6-5, with Jack scoring three points, Luke netting a goal, and Quinn finishing with two points. This game marked the second time an American family had three brothers play in the same NHL match—a testament to the unique talent and dedication within the Hughes family.
Chris Haluke, a developer for NHL 25, highlighted how the talents of the Hughes brothers influenced the game’s design: "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 newest feature in NHL 25 includes the "Ice-Q" feature, which is highly anticipated by fans. Quinn Hughes lauded EA Sports' collaboration, stating, "For them to decide to attach their brand with the three of us was pretty cool."
Excitement and Legacy
"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," commented Jack Hughes, reflecting on their shared enthusiasm for both the sport and its video game counterpart.
As NHL 25 hits the shelves, fans will have the chance not only to enjoy the advanced features of the game but also to celebrate the incredible journey of the Hughes brothers—a story of family, talent, and dedication that has captured the hearts of hockey enthusiasts worldwide. The unveiling of the NHL 25 cover is more than just a marketing decision; it’s a nod to hockey history and the exceptional legacy of a remarkable family.