Updated: February 23, 2026
Tate McRae has skyrocketed to global pop stardom with hits like “Greedy” and her chart-topping album, but fans can’t stop talking about her love life—especially her past romance with an NHL player. The Canadian singer’s dating history mixes low-key relationships with high-profile ones, and her ex-boyfriend from the hockey world still sparks curiosity (and memes) years later.
If you’re searching for the scoop on Tate McRae ex boyfriend NHL connection, you’re in the right place. Let’s break down the key details, from how they met to the rumors that followed their split.
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Who Is Tate McRae’s NHL Ex-Boyfriend?
Tate McRae’s most talked-about hockey-linked romance was with Cole Sillinger, a center for the Columbus Blue Jackets. They dated from summer 2021 to early 2023, making it one of her longer public relationships.
Cole, born May 16, 2003, in Columbus, Ohio, comes from hockey royalty—his dad, Mike Sillinger, played over 1,000 NHL games. Cole was drafted 12th overall in 2021 and quickly became a promising young talent in the league.
The pair reportedly met through mutual friends, including Tate’s brother Tucker (who also plays hockey). Tate once shared in an interview that Cole was introduced as one of her brother’s friend’s friends. They went Instagram official in late 2021, sharing cozy pics and supporting each other at events.
Here’s a quick overview of the key facts:
- Relationship Period: 2021–2023 (approximately 1.5–2 years)
- How They Met: Through family/friends in the hockey scene
- Public Highlights: Red carpet appearances, game support, social media posts
- Breakup Timing: Early 2023 (Cole removed traces of Tate from his Instagram)
- Post-Breakup Buzz: Cheating rumors surfaced in 2024 during NHL All-Star Weekend when Tate attended (Cole denied them, commenting “All false my guy”)
Fans loved the cross-world romance—pop star meets rising NHL star—but things fizzled quietly.
The Cheating Rumors and NHL All-Star Drama
No breakup story stays drama-free in 2026’s celebrity world. In February 2024, during NHL All-Star Weekend, Tate’s appearance sparked memes suggesting Cole “fumbled” her or worse—cheated. Online trolls accused him of infidelity, tying it to her rising fame right after their split.
Cole shut it down fast in comments: “All false my guy.” No solid evidence ever backed the claims, and both moved on—Tate to The Kid LAROI soon after, while Cole focused on his career.
The rumors popped up again in fan discussions, but it’s mostly internet noise now. Tate has never directly addressed it, keeping her signature low-key vibe on personal drama.
Tate McRae’s Dating History: Beyond the NHL Ex
Tate keeps her relationships pretty private, but here’s the timeline fans track:
- Jonny Hader (2019–2021): Childhood friend from Calgary; super low-key, even collaborated on “You Broke Me First.”
- Cole Sillinger (2021–2023): The NHL chapter—fun, public at times, ended amid her “Greedy” era rise.
- The Kid LAROI (2023–2025): High-profile musician romance; they collabed and seemed solid until the split last year.
- Current Rumors (2025–2026): Tate’s been spotted with New Jersey Devils star Jack Hughes since late 2025—dinners in NYC, game appearances. As of February 2026, amid the Winter Olympics where Jack helped Team USA win gold, fans are buzzing (and some Canadian hockey lovers jokingly want her to “dump” him for national pride). Nothing confirmed yet, but the sightings keep piling up.
She’s dated across music and sports, showing her type leans toward creative, driven guys.
Conclusion: What We Can Learn from Tate’s Love Story
Tate McRae handles fame and romance like a pro—graceful, private when it counts, and focused on her music above all. Her NHL ex, Cole Sillinger, was part of an exciting chapter, but rumors aside, it seems like a normal young-love story that ran its course.
In 2026, with Tate’s career hotter than ever and fresh rumors swirling around another hockey star, fans will keep watching. But one thing’s clear: Tate’s story is about growth, hits, and moving forward—no matter who’s in the stands cheering (or not).
Whether you’re here for the pop tea, hockey crossover vibes, or just curious about celebrity dating, Tate McRae’s ex-boyfriend NHL saga remains one of her most memorable. Who’s next in her lineup? Only time (and maybe an Instagram post) will tell.