Is Tate McRae dating an NHL star? Outings with Jack Hughes ignite rumours

Canadian singer Tate McRae and NHL (National Hockey League) star Jack Hughes have once again ignited speculation about a possible romance after being spotted together in New York City, five months after the singer’s split from Kid Laroi.

The 22-year-old pop star and the 24-year-old American ice hockey player appeared relaxed and happy as they walked through the city together on Monday, smiling as they enjoyed each other’s company. Their latest outing has added to growing rumours that the pair may be more than just friends.

McRae, who ended her relationship with Australian rapper Kid Laroi five months ago, was first linked to Hughes last month when the two were reportedly seen sharing dinner in Manhattan.

During their most recent appearance, she opted for a casual yet polished look, wearing a black trench coat paired with distressed wide-leg jeans. She accessorised with a yellow baseball cap and carried a tan leather Chloé handbag.

Hughes, meanwhile, dressed for the winter weather in a padded jacket layered over a beige quarter-zip sweater. The centre plays for the New Jersey Devils and is currently signed to an eight-year contract worth $64 million.

Fans further fuelled the dating chatter after noticing McRae in the stands at the Devils’ game at the Prudential Center in New Jersey on Sunday night. The match marked Hughes’ return to the ice following an absence since November 12, during which he missed 18 games due to a finger injury.

Social media quickly lit up with posts from excited fans who spotted McRae sitting in the players’ box alongside friends. Observant followers also pointed out that Hughes’ brother, Quinn Hughes, who plays for the Vancouver Canucks, had ‘liked’ an Instagram post highlighting McRae’s presence at the game.

While McRae appeared to bring some luck, with Hughes scoring a goal, it proved to be the Devils’ only one of the night, as they ultimately lost 3–1 to the Buffalo Sabres.

The singer is a known hockey fan and has attended numerous NHL games over the years. However, rumours of a romantic connection with Hughes began circulating last month after the pair were reportedly seen dining together in New York City’s West Village, according to celebrity gossip site Deuxmoi. A source claimed that 'the entire restaurant was staring' at the pop star and said the athlete 'seemed nervous, like was looking around a lot when they first sat down.'

Earlier this month, McRae spoke openly about how difficult she found the intense public attention following her breakup from Kid Laroi. The couple, both 22, split in July after dating for around a year, and the singer admitted the aftermath left her feeling unsettled.

'It was really scary and overwhelming, I would never talk that way, even about my friends' lives,' she told Rolling Stone magazine.

McRae previously dated Columbus Blue Jackets player Cole Sillinger from late 2021 until early 2023.

Their relationship later became the subject of online speculation, with rumours accusing Sillinger of infidelity. He denied the claims in February 2024, after renewed attention followed McRae’s performance at the NHL All-Star Game, responding to a post summarising the allegations by writing: 'All false my guy'.