EA Sports Breaks New Ground with NHL 25 Cover Featuring Hughes Brothers
EA Sports has unveiled a groundbreaking choice for the cover of NHL 25, featuring brothers Jack, Luke, and Quinn Hughes. This marks the first time in the franchise’s history that siblings have graced the cover, reflecting the Hughes family's significant impact on the league.
NHL 25 is set to hit the shelves on October 4, coinciding with the excitement surrounding the new NHL season, which opens with a marquee match between the Buffalo Sabres and the New Jersey Devils in Prague, Czechia.
Meet the Hughes Brothers
Jack and Luke Hughes currently play for the New Jersey Devils, while their older brother, Quinn, serves as the captain of the Vancouver Canucks. Quinn Hughes recently added to his growing list of accolades by earning the prestigious Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman.
Their father, Jim Hughes, was a former captain at Providence College and has served as an assistant coach with both the Boston Bruins and the Toronto Maple Leafs. He 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, winning a silver medal at the 1992 world championships. Ellen Hughes also boasts experience as a coach and broadcaster.
Draft Day Dreams
The Hughes brothers' journey to the NHL is a testament to their hard work and talent. Quinn Hughes was drafted seventh overall by the Canucks in 2018. Following in his footsteps, Jack Hughes was the first overall pick for the Devils in 2019, while Luke Hughes was picked fourth by the Devils in 2021. All three brothers honed their skills at the United States National Team Development Program, laying the foundation for their future success.
Quinn and Luke continued to make their mark by starring at the University of Michigan before entering the NHL. The three brothers faced off in an NHL game for the first time on December 5, with the Devils securing a 6-5 victory. Jack scored three points, Luke netted a goal, and Quinn finished with two points in a game that marked the second time an American family had three brothers play in the same NHL match.
The Cover Shoot
The selection of the Hughes brothers for the NHL 25 cover is more than just a marketing move; it’s a symbol of the new generation of talent rising in the NHL. "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 shared. Echoing his brother's sentiment, Luke Hughes added, "I think we grew up on the [video] game."
The Hughes brothers' skill, skating ability, and playmaking acumen were key reasons behind their selection. "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," said Chris Haluke from EA Sports.
Jack Hughes expressed his excitement about the milestone, stating, "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.'" He continued, "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."
New Features in NHL 25
In addition to spotlighting the Hughes brothers, NHL 25 is highly anticipated for its new "Ice-Q" feature. This innovation promises to enhance the gaming experience by leveraging the Hughes brothers' play styles. Fans and gamers alike are eagerly awaiting the release to see how the new features and the symbolic endorsement of the Hughes brothers will shape the game.
Legacy in the Making
The Hughes family's legacy in hockey continues to grow, with each brother carving out their own path in the NHL. Their achievements, both individually and collectively, are inspiring a new generation of hockey players. As NHL 25 hits the market, the Hughes brothers are set to make yet another indelible mark on the sport, further solidifying their place in hockey history.