Milan-Cortina, Italy– Canadian singer-songwriter Tate McRae and U.S. Olympic hockey star Jack Hughes are at the center of renewed social media and fan speculation about a possible romantic relationship as Hughes leads the United States to a gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. Neither McRae nor Hughes has publicly confirmed a romantic relationship, but recent public outings and social media activity have fueled intense interest.
McRae, 22, and the 24-year-old New Jersey Devils center were first seen together in November 2025, when they were photographed dining in New York City, triggering early rumors of a possible romance. The pair were later seen together again in December, including McRae attending a Devils game and walking with Hughes the following day, according to photos obtained by PEOPLE. Their repeated public appearances, combined with silence from both sides, have kept speculation alive.
Hughes’ profile has soared during the Winter Games after scoring the sudden-death overtime goal that secured the United States its first Olympic men’s hockey gold in 46 years. The dramatic victory over Canada on Feb. 22 marked a high point in his athletic career and drew heightened attention to his personal life from fans and media alike.
McRae, one of the biggest names in contemporary pop with chart-topping albums and hit singles, has not commented publicly on the rumors. Observers note that she has maintained a low profile on social media since early February, leaving fans to interpret her posts and their apparent proximity to Olympic events.
Neither the singer nor the hockey player’s representatives have issued official statements verifying any relationship. Previous coverage noted McRae’s breakup with Australian artist The Kid Laroi in mid-2025, after which her name became linked to Hughes following their sightings together.
Public reaction online has ranged from supportive to speculative, with some fans dissecting social media interactions and photo evidence for clues about the nature of McRae and Hughes’ connection. Despite the buzz, there is no confirmed evidence beyond their shared appearances and unverified reports.
As Hughes prepares to return to the NHL following the Olympics and McRae continues her music career with global tours and media engagements, interest in their personal lives is expected to persist.
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Hannah Price is a digital journalist who covers breaking news, global events, and trending stories with accuracy and speed. She has previously contributed to several online magazines and has built a reputation for verifying facts before publishing. Hannah believes in responsible reporting and aims to present stories in a way that readers can trust.
