Avalanche Signs Taylor Makar to One-Year Entry-Level Contract
Big news for Colorado Avalanche fans—the team has officially signed forward Taylor Makar to a one-year, entry-level contract for the 2025-26 season. If that last name sounds familiar, it's because Taylor is the younger brother of Avalanche superstar defenseman, Cale Makar. With this signing, the Avalanche are doubling down on the Makar family talent, adding another skilled player to their organization.
Taylor Makar, 24, has been making waves in college hockey, coming off a strong season with the University of Maine. In the 2024-25 campaign, he notched 30 points (18 goals, 12 assists) in 38 games, setting personal bests in goals, assists, and overall points. His offensive prowess was evident throughout the season, as he led the team in goals and ranked second in total points. Notably, he also secured six game-winning goals, proving his ability to step up in crucial moments.
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One of the highlights of Taylor's season was an impressive six-game point streak from January 18 to February 14, during which he racked up eight points (seven goals, one assist). He also delivered five multi-goal games, including an electric hat trick on February 28. When it mattered most, Taylor shined—his two-goal performance in the Hockey East Championship on March 21 helped Maine clinch the title and secure an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
Drafted by the Avalanche in the seventh round (220th overall) of the 2021 NHL Draft, Taylor Makar has steadily developed his game. Before transferring to Maine, he played three seasons with UMass-Amherst, where he appeared in 85 games and recorded 22 points (15 goals, seven assists). His 10-goal effort in the 2022-23 season was the highest among all UMass skaters that year. Over his entire collegiate career, spanning 123 games, he accumulated 52 points (33 goals, 19 assists).
Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 210 pounds, Taylor Makar brings a strong physical presence to the ice, complementing his offensive skill set. Prior to his NCAA career, he played junior hockey for the Brooks Bandits in the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), where he tallied 61 points (17 goals, 44 assists) across four seasons from 2017 to 2021.
As part of his transition to professional hockey, Taylor will report to the Colorado Eagles (AHL) on an Amateur Tryout (ATO) for the remainder of the 2024-25 season. This will allow him to gain valuable experience at the pro level before officially beginning his contract next season.
With Cale Makar already a cornerstone of the Avalanche’s defensive core, the addition of Taylor Makar brings an exciting new dynamic to the organization. Fans will be eager to see how the younger Makar develops and whether he can make a name for himself at the NHL level. One thing is certain—the Makar name is becoming synonymous with Colorado hockey, and Avalanche supporters have plenty to be excited about.
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