DENVER, Colo. — Monday’s news of the signing of Taylor Makar shocked those outside of the realm of the Colorado Avalanche. They were astounded by two Makar’s and that the Avs had both of them.

The 24-year-old forward’s entry-level contract kicks in at the start of the 2025-26 season. For the rest of the season, he will report to Loveland to the AHL on an amateur tryout with the Colorado Eagles. Unless something goes drastically wrong, he’s expected to be part of their plans moving forward.

The Difference Between Cale and Taylor

Meanwhile, Cale Makar isn’t leaving the NHL to play in the AHL anytime soon. His time being thrust into action in the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2019 showed just that. The 26-year-old defender will need his brother to jump to his level if he wants to receive his stretch passes.

Unfortunately for Taylor, he has a long way to go. He’s been in and about the Avalanche organization since he was drafted in 2021. Specifically, he has joined the team for Development Camp the last few summers. This last summer was his best showing.

He’s an “older” prospect joining the organization now after playing in the NCAA for four years. Aside from his senior year at Maine, his time at UMass was far from the same standout stats his brother had a few years earlier.

Therefore, Taylor may already be near his ceiling – it’s certainly lower than Cale’s ceiling. If Taylor Makar finds life difficult in the ‘A’ and can’t make an impression at training camp before the start of the 2025-26 NHL season, it’s unlikely he’ll be a prominent figure next season.

So Will They Ever Play Together?

However, all is not lost. He still could be a call-up sometime next season and likely play in the bottom six with his size and skating. The most likely and soonest scenario in which these two would play together would be in a preseason game.

It’s safe to assume Jared Bednar would give them a shift or two together should it all work out. But it likely wouldn’t last the entire game when Cale plays with the likes of Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas in front of him. Whenever it happens, wherever it happens, it’ll surely be a fun one to watch.