In a historic and symbolic move, EA Sports has selected the Hughes brothers—Jack, Luke, and Quinn—to grace the cover of NHL 25, marking the first time siblings have ever shared this prestigious honor in the franchise's history. The announcement adds to the excitement surrounding the game's release, set for October 4, and reflects the influence and talent of this remarkable hockey family.
For the Hughes brothers, the achievement is both a personal and professional milestone. "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. This sentiment captures the shared pride and recognition among the brothers, each of whom has carved out an impressive career in the NHL.
A Family of Achievements
Quinn, Jack, and Luke Hughes have not only made names for themselves on the ice but have also followed in the footsteps of their athletic family. Their father, Jim Hughes, a former captain at Providence College, later served as an assistant coach with the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs. Jim currently holds the position of 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 US women's national hockey team, which secured a silver medal at the 1992 world championships. Ellen has also made her mark as a coach and broadcaster.
The Hughes brothers' paths to the NHL were paved with hard work and significant milestones. Quinn Hughes was drafted seventh overall by the Vancouver Canucks in 2018, and he currently serves as the team's captain. Jack Hughes was the first overall pick for the New Jersey Devils in 2019, and Luke Hughes followed as the fourth pick for the Devils in 2021. Both Quinn and Luke excelled at the University of Michigan, further showcasing the family's deep hockey talent.
Making History in the NHL
The Hughes brothers have already made history by competing together on the NHL stage. On December 5, they faced off for the first time in a game between the New Jersey Devils and the Vancouver Canucks. This matchup was only the second time an American family had three brothers play in the same NHL game. The Devils emerged victorious with a 6-5 win; Jack scored three points, Luke netted a goal, and Quinn finished with two points.
Jack and Luke play for the New Jersey Devils, while Quinn captains the Vancouver Canucks. Quinn’s impressive career was recently capped with the prestigious Norris Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s top defenseman, further solidifying his status as one of the league's elite players.
New Features in NHL 25
Alongside the symbolic endorsement by the Hughes brothers, NHL 25 is eagerly anticipated for its new features, including the innovative "Ice-Q" feature. According to Chris Haluke, "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." This integration of the Hughes brothers' playing style into the game underscores their impact on modern hockey.
The brothers themselves are thrilled with this recognition. "I think we grew up on the [video] game," Luke Hughes shared, capturing the full-circle nature of this achievement. 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.' 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."
Legacy and Inspiration
The Hughes brothers have not only achieved significant milestones individually but have also collectively raised the bar for what is possible in professional hockey. Their journey from the United States National Team Development Program to the NHL covers of NHL 25 is a testament to their dedication, skill, and familial support. As the NHL season opens with a marquee match between the Buffalo Sabres and the New Jersey Devils in Prague, Czechia, fans are undoubtedly looking forward to seeing more of the Hughes’ dynamic play.
Their story is one of inspiration for young athletes and a proud moment for their family. "For them to decide to attach their brand with the three of us was pretty cool," Quinn concluded. As NHL 25 hits the shelves, hockey fans and players alike will celebrate this unprecedented cover featuring the Hughes brothers, a trio that continues to redefine the game.