The Colorado Avalanche already have the best hockey player on the planet with the surname "Makar" -- but on Monday, the Avs added another Makar under their umbrella, as star defensean Cale Makar's brother, forward Taylor Makar, signed a professional contract with the organization.
Taylor Makar, who was drafted by the Avalanche in the seventh round of the 2021 NHL entry draft -- 220th-overall -- inked an entry-level contract running through the 2025-26 season. Taylor Makar will report to the American League's Colorado Eagles on an amateury tryout for the rest of the current season.
The 24-year-old Taylor Makar -- two years younger than Cale Makar -- had played for the NCAA's University of Maine this season, posting 18 goals and 30 points in 38 games. Taylor Makar began his collegiate career with the UMass-Amherst Minutemen, generating 15 goals and 22 points in 85 games. And prior to his NCAA career, Taylor Makar played in 104 games with the AJHL's Brooks Bandits, putting up 44 assists and 61 points in four seasons with the team.
Taylor Makar isn't guaranteed to be an NHL star like his brother. But he can hone his craft at the professional level, and perhaps get an NHL opportunity down the line, at a time when the Avs aren't battling for home-ice advantage in the Stanley Cup playofs. For now, though, the Makar family has to be exceedingly proud of both Cale and Taylor -- and being in the same excellent organization will keep them close to one another.
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