From NYC date nights to Olympic headlines, Tate McRae and Jack Hughes&rsquo; rumored romance has fans talking (for better or worse).&nbsp;

A chart-topping pop star and the NHL&rsquo;s hometown hero have unexpectedly become one of the internet&rsquo;s most talked-about rumored pairings. After being spotted together multiple times in New York City, fans began building a timeline of Tate McRae and Jack Hughes&rsquo; apparent romance; one that has stirred just as much criticism as intrigue. Though neither has confirmed the relationship, the photos and the swift online reactions have fueled speculation.
McRae, who was previously linked to singer The Kid Laroi before their headline-making split, has once again found herself at the center of dating rumors&mdash;this time with the New Jersey Devils standout.

The first sighting that sent fans into a frenzy came on November 21, 2025, when Tate McRae and Jack Hughes were photographed on what appeared to be a dinner date in New York City. The pair were later seen walking around the city together.&nbsp;
At the time, speculation swirled. Was it a friendly outing or something more? Neither camp commented, but the cozy body language and post-dinner stroll quickly ignited dating rumors across social media.

Exactly one month later, on December 22, the two were spotted again, this time grabbing coffee and strolling through NYC. The casual daytime outing only added fuel to the rumors.
Later that same day, McRae was seen in the players&rsquo; box at a New Jersey Devils game, supporting Hughes as he took the ice. The appearance felt less ambiguous to fans; sitting in the players&rsquo; family and friends section signaled something more serious than a coincidental hangout.

When Hughes went on to win gold with Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics, fans noticed something else: McRae did not publicly post or celebrate his victory. The silence stood out, especially amid growing online controversy surrounding the men&rsquo;s U.S. hockey team.
The backlash stems from a widely circulated video showing members of the men&rsquo;s team on the phone with President Donald Trump, appearing to mock the U.S. women&rsquo;s hockey team. Hughes was reportedly among those who showed support, sparking outrage online.
As rumors of his political alignment spread, some of McRae&rsquo;s fans voiced disappointment over her alleged association with him. Social media quickly filled with criticism, with some calling Hughes a &ldquo;disgraced&rdquo; figure in online discourse and questioning McRae&rsquo;s judgment.
For now, what began as quiet NYC sightings has evolved into a headline-making rumor, proving once again that in 2026, dating in the public eye rarely stays private for long.&nbsp;

Tate McRae. Getty Images.

Tate McRae and Jack Hughes' Complete Relationship Timeline

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Tate McRae and Jack Hughes' Complete Relationship Timeline

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