The worlds of pop music and professional hockey are colliding in the most glamorous way, and sports fans are here for it. A recent, show-stopping image of chart-topping singer Tate McRae has sent the internet into a tailspin, with the spotlight firmly shifting to her connection with New Jersey Devils center and recent American hockey hero, Jack Hughes.
Two Stars, One Blossoming Connection
While both are at the pinnacle of their respective fields, it's their off-stage and off-ice chemistry that's capturing headlines. Sources close to the pair confirm to Entertainment Tonight that Hughes and McRae are indeed seeing each other, though they're keeping things relaxed for now. "They have a lot of the same friends and started hanging out that way," an insider revealed. "He has gone to her shows, and she likes supporting him at games too." The report adds that McRae is currently focused on her skyrocketing career and "not looking for something super serious," suggesting a fun, supportive dynamic between the two young stars.
Hughes: From First Pick to Golden Goal
On the ice, Jack Hughes has cemented his status as a generational talent. Selected first overall by the Devils in 2019, his NHL prowess is well-documented. However, he ascended to a new level of national fame at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. With gold on the line in an epic showdown against Canada, it was Hughes who delivered a moment for the ages, netting the overtime, game-winning goal to secure the top prize for Team USA. The clutch performance transformed him from a hockey star into an Olympic legend.
McRae: A Pop Phenomenon in Her Prime
Meanwhile, Tate McRae's career trajectory is nothing short of meteoric. A Grammy-nominated artist, she has dominated the charts, including securing a number-one single on the prestigious Billboard Hot 100. Her third studio album, released in 2025, was a massive success, solidifying her place in the pop pantheon. Her influence extends beyond music, having performed at events like the NHL All-Star Game and, in a major cultural milestone, gracing the cover of Rolling Stone magazine earlier this year—a dream she celebrated exuberantly with her fans online.
Fan Frenzy Erupts Online
The buzz around the couple isn't just media speculation; it's driven by an intensely engaged fanbase. McRae's recent photo, which sparked this latest wave of excitement, was met with a flood of adoring comments. Fans flooded her social media with praise like "Gorgeous is an understatement!!!" and "Literally unreal." Another succinctly declared, "You ARE the moment," capturing the singer's current cultural cachet. This passionate response highlights how the personal lives of these elite athletes and entertainers have become captivating storylines for the public.
What's Next for the Duo?
As both Hughes and McRae navigate the peak of their careers, all eyes will be on how their connection evolves. Will they make a red-carpet appearance together? Could a new McRae hit be inspired by time spent in hockey arenas? The possibilities are endless. For now, they represent the ultimate modern power couple blueprint: wildly successful in their own arenas, coming together through mutual friends and shared support, and sending the rumor mill into overdrive with a single snapshot.
This blend of high-level sports achievement and pop culture fame creates a perfect storm for public fascination. Whether they're cheering each other on from the sidelines or the front row, Jack Hughes and Tate McRae have undoubtedly become one of the most talked-about pairs in the entertainment and sports sphere, proving that sometimes the most exciting action happens far away from the ice or the stage.
