EA Sports has made a landmark decision for the cover of NHL 25 by featuring not one, but three hockey stars: siblings Jack, Luke, and Quinn Hughes. This unprecedented choice marks the first time in the franchise’s history that siblings have graced the cover, a decision that underscores the Hughes brothers' remarkable impact on the sport.
A Family of Achievers
Set to be released on October 4, NHL 25 is generating significant buzz, not just because of its new features but also thanks to the symbolic inclusion of the Hughes brothers. Jack and Luke Hughes play for the New Jersey Devils, while Quinn Hughes captains the Vancouver Canucks. Their father, Jim Hughes, brings a wealth of experience from his time as a captain at Providence College and roles as an assistant coach with the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs. Currently, Jim serves as 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 a silver medalist with the US women's national hockey team at the 1992 world championships. Ellen has also ventured into coaching and broadcasting, contributing to her versatile profile in the sport.
Draft Day Dreams
The Hughes brothers’ journey to NHL stardom began several years ago. Quinn was drafted seventh by the Canucks in 2018, followed by Jack as the first overall pick for the Devils in 2019, and Luke who went fourth overall to the Devils in 2021. Their paths to the NHL were honed at the United States National Team Development Program, where they developed the skills that would make them top picks.
Quinn Hughes’s standout performance on the ice recently earned him the prestigious Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman. Jack and Luke have also made significant contributions to their teams, with Jack scoring three points and Luke netting a goal when the Devils clashed with Quinn’s Canucks on December 5. The match, which the Devils won 6-5, was only the second time in NHL history that an American family had three brothers play in the same game.
A Special Cover
When asked about being on the cover of NHL 25, Quinn shared his feelings: "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." Luke echoed this sentiment, adding, "I think we grew up on the [video] game."
Their inclusion on the cover is not just a personal milestone but also a triumph for EA Sports, as Quinn noted, "For them to decide to attach their brand with the three of us was pretty cool." Jack Hughes elaborated on the emotional resonance of this honor: "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."
Innovation and Anticipation
NHL 25 boasts a new feature called "Ice-Q," a concept influenced by the dynamic and multifaceted play styles of the Hughes brothers. Chris Haluke from EA Sports explained the decision-making process behind their choice: "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."
As hockey fans eagerly await the October 4 release, the buzz surrounding NHL 25 only continues to grow. The Hughes brothers bring not just their talent but also a family legacy rich in hockey history, adding a deeply personal and inspirational layer to the game. With this historic cover, the NHL franchise celebrates not only the spirit of the Hughes family but also the bright future of hockey itself.