DENVER, Colo. – The Colorado Avalanche announced the signing of Taylor Makar to a one-year, entry-level contract on Monday. Makar will join his older brother, Cale Makar, on the books of the Avalanche.

The 24-year-old forward can play on the left wing but also up the middle. He was drafted in the seventh round of the NHL Draft back in 2021 at 220th overall.

Makar had followed in his brother’s footsteps to play college hockey at the University of Massachusetts for the first three years. He was underwhelming with 22 points in 85 games at UMass. He transferred to the University of Maine for his senior year this last fall.

That is where he impressed the most. In 38 games, he had 18 goals and 12 assists for 30 total points. He helped Maine into the NCAA Tournament this spring. They went 24-8-6, but fell to Penn State in the regional semifinal.

This will not be the first time the 6-foot-4 forward would make an appearance in the Avalanche’s system, however. Makar has been a prominent figure at the rookie development camp the last few summers. Most recently, last summer, he was a standout among a subpar rookie camp.

Makar had noticeable size among other rookies with his stature. Not only did he bulk up and get bigger, but he was quick – wonder where he learned those quick skating skills. He was still missing some scoring edge, but he seemingly made it up at Maine throughout the year.

His signing is one which will excite and welcome him to the Colorado hockey community with open arms. With Cal Ritchie no longer in the system, Makar is arguably the best forward prospect remaining in the pipeline.

Taylor will be watched closely by those in Loveland this season and in Denver for next season as he vies for a roster spot alongside his brother. However, he will be unable to play with Cale this season.

His one-year ELC will kick in at the start of the 2025-26 season. In the meantime, he will join the AHL-affiliate Colorado Eagles on an amateur tryout. He could make his professional hockey debut as soon as Wednesday at Coachella Valley. His highly anticipated home debut could come this weekend against the San Jose Barracuda.