Jack Hughes and Tate McRae: Relationship Timeline and Key Facts

NHL superstar Jack Hughes and Tate McRae have quickly become one of the most talked-about young couples in sports and music after confirming they are exclusively dating in early 2026. The New Jersey Devils center and the Canadian pop sensation first sparked rumors in December 2025, and sources told Us Weekly the romance began when Hughes slid into McRae’s Instagram DMs. Between Olympic gold medals and sold-out arena tours, here is everything we know about Jack Hughes and Tate McRae — how they met, their relationship timeline, and what is next for the pair.

Who Is Jack Hughes?

Jack Hughes is one of the brightest stars in the NHL. The 24-year-old American center was selected first overall by the New Jersey Devils in the 2019 NHL Draft and has since become a three-time NHL All-Star and the face of the franchise. Known for his elite skating, playmaking vision, and highlight-reel hands, Hughes is widely considered among the league’s most exciting young players.

Hughes became a household name in February 2026 when he scored the overtime “golden goal” against Canada in the Winter Olympics final at Milano Cortina, delivering Team USA its first men’s hockey gold medal since the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” in Lake Placid. The moment — he reportedly lost two teeth during the tournament — turned him into a national hero overnight, earning him appearances on Saturday Night Live and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. You can read more about his career on his Wikipedia page.

Who Is Tate McRae?

Tate McRae is a 22-year-old Canadian singer, songwriter, and dancer who first entered the public eye as a contestant on So You Think You Can Dance in 2016. She has since released three studio albums and become one of pop’s biggest breakout stars, best known for the smash hits “greedy” and “you broke me first.”

In 2025, McRae headlined the all-arena Miss Possessive Tour, cementing her status as a global chart-topper with a fiercely loyal fanbase. Before linking up with Hughes, she was previously in a relationship with Australian singer The Kid Laroi. More on her music career is available on her Wikipedia page.

How Did Jack Hughes and Tate McRae Meet?

Like many modern romances, this one started in the DMs. According to a source who spoke to Us Weekly, Hughes took the initiative and “initially messaged her on IG and started a conversation” in late 2025. What began as casual messaging quickly turned into something more, with the pair quietly spending time together before the public caught on.

“She thinks he is a really cool guy and they have been having a lot of fun together,” the insider shared, adding that McRae has been supportive of his hockey career and “has been loving going to the games and cheering him on.”

Jack Hughes and Tate McRae Relationship Timeline

Late 2025 — the first messages: Hughes reaches out to McRae on Instagram, and the two begin casually seeing each other.

December 2025 — first public link: McRae attends a New Jersey Devils game at Newark’s Prudential Center. Shortly after, the two are spotted walking around New York City together in baseball caps, sparking dating rumors across social media.

February 2026 — Olympic glory: Hughes scores the golden goal to beat Canada and win Team USA the Olympic gold medal. Amid the national celebration, interest in his personal life — and his connection to McRae — explodes.

March 2026 — going official: A source confirms to Us Weekly that “Tate and Jack are dating,” adding that while it started casually late last year, “they are exclusively seeing each other.”

Spring 2026 — making it work: With Hughes’ NHL season wrapping up around mid-April and McRae coming off her blockbuster tour, the couple is reportedly hoping to “have more time together” once his schedule clears.

Key Facts About the Couple

• An athlete-musician power pairing: Like Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, Hughes and McRae are the latest sports-and-music crossover couple capturing the public imagination.
• He made the first move: Hughes initiated contact via Instagram DMs — a detail fans found endearingly relatable.
• She is a hockey fan now: McRae has been spotted at multiple Devils games, cheering him on from the stands.
• Both are at career peaks: His Olympic heroics and her sold-out 2025 tour mean 2026 has been a breakout year for both.
• Similar age, similar spotlight: At 24 and 22, both grew up in the public eye — he as a teenage draft phenom, she as a dance-show prodigy turned pop star.
• Other athlete-celebrity couples making headlines include Josh Allen and Hailee Steinfeld and Stefon Diggs and Cardi B.

Recent Updates on Jack Hughes and Tate McRae

Since going public, Hughes has ridden the wave of his Olympic fame with high-profile TV appearances, while McRae has been enjoying the afterglow of her successful Miss Possessive Tour. Sources say the relationship is “going well” and that McRae thinks Hughes is “really sweet.” With his season expected to end in mid-April, fans are watching for more public outings — and possibly a red-carpet debut — from the NHL’s newest power couple.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Jack Hughes and Tate McRae dating?
Yes. A source confirmed to Us Weekly in March 2026 that the two are “exclusively seeing each other” after starting out casually in late 2025.

How did Jack Hughes and Tate McRae meet?
They connected on Instagram — Hughes messaged McRae first, which started the conversation that led to their relationship.

When were Jack Hughes and Tate McRae first spotted together?
December 2025, when McRae attended a New Jersey Devils game at the Prudential Center and the pair were later seen walking around New York City.

What is Jack Hughes famous for?
Hughes is the star center for the New Jersey Devils, the 2019 No. 1 overall NHL draft pick, and the scorer of the overtime golden goal that won Team USA the 2026 Olympic hockey gold medal.

What songs is Tate McRae known for?
Her biggest hits include “greedy” and “you broke me first.” She headlined the all-arena Miss Possessive Tour in 2025.

How old are Jack Hughes and Tate McRae?
Hughes is 24 and McRae is 22.

From a bold Instagram DM to an Olympic golden goal, the story of Jack Hughes and Tate McRae has everything fans love about a modern celebrity romance. With both stars at the top of their games — on the ice and on the stage — this is one couple worth keeping an eye on through 2026 and beyond.