UPDATE: Tate McRae & Jack Hughes: Date Night or Just Two Hot People Trying to Eat Pasta?

Published March 6, 2026

UPDATE: Tate McRae and Jack Hughes Are Officially Dating After a DM Slide Success Story

Sometimes love starts with a grand romantic gesture. And sometimes… it starts with a hockey player sliding into your Instagram DMs.

Pop star Tate McRae and Jack Hughes are officially dating after casually seeing each other since late last year.

According to a source speaking with Us Weekly, the connection started when the New Jersey Devils centre sent McRae a message on Instagram, and the two struck up a conversation.

Apparently, the DM strategy worked.

The source says McRae thinks Hughes is “a really cool guy,” and the pair have been having a lot of fun together. She’s also reportedly been spotted cheering him on at games and supporting his hockey career.

They Were First Linked Late Last Year

The 22-year-old Calgary-born singer and the 24-year-old NHL star were first rumoured to be dating back in December.

The two were seen together in New York City after McRae attended one of Hughes’ games, which quickly got fans connecting the dots.

Since then, they’ve been quietly spending time together while juggling their busy schedules.

Busy Careers on Both Sides

Hughes recently celebrated an Olympic gold medal with Team USA at the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics, while continuing his season with the New Jersey Devils.

The Devils’ regular season wraps up in mid-April, and reports suggest the couple is hoping to spend more time together once the NHL schedule slows down.

Meanwhile, McRae recently wrapped her Miss Possessive Tour in November and continues riding the success of her hit song “Run for the Hills.”

Not Her First Hockey Romance

This isn’t McRae’s first connection to the hockey world.

The Canadian singer was previously linked to Cole Sillinger of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Clearly, the hockey community has discovered a new strategy:

Forget dating apps… just slide into the DMs.

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Original post:

The internet is in full spiral mode again — this time over a dinner sighting involving pop sensation Tate McRae and NHL heartthrob Jack Hughes.

A photo reportedly shows the two enjoying a cozy dinner at Anton’s in New York’s trendy West Village, and naturally, everyone has decided they’re either madly in love or planning their joint wedding playlist.

The snap was shared by celebrity gossip account DeuxMoi, with a source claiming the entire restaurant had eyes on them and that Hughes looked a little nervous when they first sat down. Honestly? Same, Jack. Same.

While the photo hasn’t been officially confirmed, that hasn’t stopped dating rumours from skating full speed ahead.

Hockey Has Always Been Tate’s Type

This isn’t McRae’s first brush with the hockey world. She previously dated Columbus Blue Jackets player Cole Sillinger, and yes — the internet absolutely dubbed her a “puck bunny.” Icon behaviour, honestly.

She also grew up in a hockey-loving household, with her brother Tucker playing junior hockey before heading to Dartmouth College. And if you needed more proof, she loves the sport. Her album Think Later features her posing dramatically in goalie pads. Art.

The Hughes Canadian Connection

Jack Hughes may have been born in Florida, but he’s basically got honorary Canadian status. He grew up playing minor hockey in the GTA while his dad worked with the Toronto Maple Leafs — so we’re calling this a near-national treasure situation.

Tate even performed at the 2024 NHL All-Star Game in Toronto, where Jack served as co-captain alongside his equally famous brother Quinn Hughes. Fate? Coincidence? A very well-curated algorithm?

So… Are They Dating?

At this point, all we officially know is:

They had dinner
There was pasta
The internet lost its mind

Whether this is romance, friendship, or just two celebrities trying to enjoy carbs in peace remains a mystery. But if this turns into a full-blown hockey-pop power couple? We’re already emotionally invested.

Because let’s be real — if Tate McRae dates another hockey player, we’re just calling it her genre.

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