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Colorado Avalanche Sign Forward Taylor Makar
about 1 year agoUS
The Colorado Avalanche have added another Makar to their organization, signing forward Taylor Makar, the younger brother of star defenseman Cale Makar, to a one-year, entry-level contract set to begin in the 2025-26 season. This move brings the 24-year-old Calgary native officially into the Avalanche system after being drafted by the team in 2021.
Key Insights
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Contract Details: Taylor Makar signed a one-year, entry-level contract for the 2025-26 NHL season.
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Immediate Plans: He will join the Avalanche's AHL affiliate, the Colorado Eagles, on an Amateur Tryout (ATO) for the remainder of the 2024-25 season.
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Draft Connection: The Avalanche selected Taylor Makar in the seventh round (220th overall) of the 2021 NHL Draft.
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Strong College Season: Makar is coming off a career year at the University of Maine, scoring 18 goals and 30 points in 38 games, leading the team in game-winning goals (6).
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Family Ties: Taylor is the younger brother of Norris Trophy-winning Avalanche defenseman, Cale Makar.
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Why this matters: This signing adds forward depth to the Avalanche prospect pool and creates an intriguing storyline with the potential for brothers to play together in the NHL in the future. It rewards Makar's development during his collegiate career.
In-Depth Analysis
Taylor Makar, a 6-foot-4, 210-pound forward, concluded a productive collegiate career before signing with Colorado. After transferring from UMass-Amherst (where he played three seasons from 2021-24, tallying 22 points in 85 games), he had a breakout year with the University of Maine Black Bears in 2024-25. His 18 goals tied for the team lead, and his 30 points were second-best, both personal collegiate highs. Notably, he scored two goals in the Hockey East Championship game to help Maine secure an NCAA Tournament berth. His collegiate career totals stand at 52 points (33 goals, 19 assists) in 123 games. Before college, Makar played for the Brooks Bandits in the AJHL (2017-21), registering 61 points in 104 games. His immediate assignment to the Colorado Eagles (AHL) provides a chance to acclimate to the professional game.
FAQs
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Q: What are the terms of Taylor Makar's contract?
A: He signed a one-year, entry-level contract that begins with the 2025-26 season. Financial details are typically not disclosed for ELCs but are standard based on the CBA.
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Q: Where will Taylor Makar play right away?
A: He will report to the Colorado Eagles, the Avalanche's AHL affiliate, on an amateur tryout for the rest of the 2024-25 season.
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Q: Is Taylor Makar related to Cale Makar?
A: Yes, Taylor is the younger brother of current Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar.
Key Takeaways
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The Avalanche continue to build their prospect pipeline, adding a player familiar with the organization since his draft year.
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Makar's size and improved scoring touch shown at Maine make him an interesting forward prospect.
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Fans can watch his progress in the AHL with the Colorado Eagles for the remainder of this season.
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The signing keeps both Makar brothers within the same organization, adding a unique family dynamic.
Discussion
What potential do you see for Taylor Makar within the Avalanche system? Could we see both Makars on the ice together for Colorado in the future? Let us know your thoughts!
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