Avalanche Sign Forward Taylor Makar to Entry-Level Contract

DENVER, Colo. — The Colorado Avalanche announced today the signing of forward Taylor Makar to a one-year, entry-level contract for the 2025-26 season. Makar, 24, will report to the Colorado Eagles of the American Hockey League (AHL) under an Amateur Tryout Agreement for the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign.

Makar recently completed a standout season with the University of Maine, where he amassed 30 points from 18 goals and 12 assists in just 38 games. He tied for the highest goal total on the team and ranked second in overall points, solidifying his reputation as a key player with the Black Bears.

The Calgary native not only led Maine with six game-winning goals but also achieved personal milestones, including registering five multi-goal games. Makar notably enjoyed an eight-point streak (7g, 1a) during a six-game stretch from January 18 to February 14, 2025. His collegiate performance culminated in a memorable Hockey East Championship game on March 21, where he scored two goals, leading Maine to victory and securing an automatic NCAA Tournament bid.

Originally drafted by the Avalanche in the seventh round (220th overall) of the 2021 NHL Draft, Makar is the younger brother of Colorado defenseman Cale Makar, a standout athlete who won the Hobey Baker Award in 2019. This familial connection adds another layer of excitement for Avalanche fans as the two brothers may potentially play alongside each other in the future.

Before joining Maine, Taylor Makar played for UMass-Amherst over three seasons, where he recorded 22 points (15g, 7a) in 85 games. His last season with the Minutemen in 2022-23 saw him lead the roster with 10 goals.

Before his collegiate career, the 6-foot-4, 210-pound forward played for the Brooks Bandits in the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), contributing 61 points (17g, 44a) over 104 games from 2017 to 2021. With the signing of Taylor Makar, the Avalanche are looking to bolster their roster with fresh talent as the team prepares for the upcoming Calder Cup Playoffs.