The moment the puck went into the net in the final overtime goal that secured the gold medal in men’s ice hockey for the United States against Canada, Team USA’s Jack Hughes became an American Olympic hero. Now a gold medalist, there’s a huge spotlight on him. But he isn’t new to being the subject of speculation – especially when it comes to his dating life.
There’s a good chance that Hughes could be in a relationship with singer-songwriter Tate McRae. Here are the clues pointing towards their relationship that have emerged since the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina began earlier this month.
The Pair Have Remained Silent on Their Relationship Status
GettyTeam USA, including Jack and Quinn Hughes, beat Canada for the men’s hockey gold, and the win is drawing a strong reaction.
After being spotted out together having a cozy dinner in New York City in November 2025, both Jack Hughes and Tate McRae have remained completely mum on whether or not they’re in a relationship. Neither Hughes nor McRae have confirmed a relationship with anyone else, either, which leads to further speculation the two are together.
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McRae posted to her Instagram on February 3, 2026 with a promotional video for NBC’s coverage of the Olympics and Paralympics ahead of the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. The collaboration between the singer and the broadcast network further sparked speculation about McRae potentially going to Italy to watch Hughes play in the men’s ice hockey competition (which the USA victoriously won!)
McRae Posted From a Nearby Location During the Winter Olympics
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A week before the USA beat Canada in overtime when Jack Hughes scored the winning gold medal goal, Tate McRae posted a photo to her Instagram from Paris, France. While the 2026 Winter Olympics were taking place in Italy, the two countries are neighbors and there was further reason to believe that McRae may be close enough that she might sneak away to Milan to support Hughes.
So far, the pair have not been seen around the Olympic Village but that doesn’t mean they aren’t just keeping their relationship – or friendship – under the radar for now. Since neither Hughes nor McRae have denied being romantically linked, there’s enough room for the dating rumors to continue swirling. In particular, the singer has been completely silent on her social media since she posted the Parisian photo a week ago, making fans wonder if she’s been in Italy cheering Hughes on from behind the scenes. Until either Tate McRae or Jack Hughes confirm or deny anything about the pair, anything is possible. Even if the pair are just friends, we’re certain that McRae will be congratulating Hughes on his game-winning goal for Team USA!
The gold medal won by Jack Hughes for the United States brings Team USA’s total number of gold wins to a historic 12 at any Winter Olympics past or present. The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina conclude with the Closing Ceremony on February 22.
Tate McRae Isn’t Denying Jack Hughes Dating Speculation