James Lang-Imagn Images

Is American Olympic Hero Jack Hughes Dating Tate McRae?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sami Haider | Last updated Feb 22, 2026 12:42 PM ET

Jack Hughes, 24, just gave Team USA its first men's hockey gold medal in 46 years. Right after the historic victory, the New Jersey Devils center has a different kind of spotlight to navigate.

Hughes scored the golden goal 1 minute, 41 seconds into three-on-three overtime to give the U.S. a 2-1 victory over the stacked Canadian team in the gold-medal final at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. It was a fitting finish for a player who entered the Winter Games under a cloud of doubt.

He was sidelined for five weeks after surgery to repair a right thumb injury suffered at a team dinner in November, and missed time just before the Olympics that threatened his availability altogether. He responded by finishing the tournament with four goals and three assists, including the overtime goal that ended America’s 46-year drought.

USA's Jack Hughes celebrates his golden goal that beat Canada during the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games.Amber Searls-Imagn Images

The elder Hughes brother, Quinn, also had a standout tournament with a goal and seven assists, including the game-winning goal against Sweden in the quarterfinals. The two were the driving force behind America’s historic run.

Now, with the gold-medal celebration underway, attention has shifted to a question that has been simmering since November, as many are wondering if Jack is dating Canadian singer Tate McRae.

The rumors actually began on Nov. 21, after the two were seen having dinner at Anton's in New York City's West Village. McRae was also spotted at Hughes' New Jersey Devils game in December following his return from the thumb injury.

Most importantly, the pair was then photographed walking together in New York City the following day. Hughes was seen wearing a hand brace during the outing. But neither the Olympian nor the singer has publicly confirmed or denied the relationship.

McRae, 22, earned her first Grammy nomination for "Just Keep Watching" in the Best Dance Pop Recording category. Her 2025 album, "So Close to What," debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.

However, this isn't her first link to the NHL. She dated Cole Sillinger of the Columbus Blue Jackets from 2021 to early 2023. While fans tied the hockey theme of her "greedy" music video to Sillinger, she also dated musician The Kid LAROI for over a year before splitting in July.

For now, the only certain story is that Jack is an Olympic gold medalist who just scored the biggest goal of his career. Anything that happens off the ice is his business.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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