Over the years, Cale Makar has become a pivotal figure not just for the Avalanche’s defensive line but also the most sought-after player for the Canadian team’s defense lineup during the 4-Nations face-off. Makar’s absence added to Canada’s woes so much that it was almost palpable in the air. And now, it looks like the Colorado powerhouse is set to make use of the 26-year-old’s kin to maintain its momentum in the coming days. UMass-Amherst alum Taylor Makar is all set to make his NHL debut alongside his brother.

As per an update by the official NHL website, Taylor has been signed by the Colorado Avalanche to a “one-year, entry-level contract through the 2025-26 season.” The 24-year-old made quite a ripple as a University of Maine forward in the 2024-25 season, hauling 30 points (18 goals, 12 assists) in 38 games. Makar’s five multi-goal games and one hat trick helped Maine put forth an automatic bid in the NCAA tournament. However, despite signing with the NHL heavyweights, Taylor will continue to report to the AHL’s Colorado Eagles on an ATO for the rest of the 2024-25 season.

Taylor Makar was the seventh-round pick by Colorado in 2021 and has been turning heads with his skill on the ice for quite some time, and it looks like Avalanche believes it is time that he gets it on with the big boys. Cale, on the other hand, is the highest scoring NHL defenseman this season (84) and should do just fine to help his brother find his place in the team.

Valued at $925k, it looks like Taylor’s collegiate career has left quite an impression with the folks over at Colorado. In his 2022-23 season with UMass, Makar posted the highest points in the Minutemen’s roster.

The signing will also undoubtedly boost Taylor’s confidence and give him some respite after the Black Bears’ recent misfortune. Maine exited the NCAA Frozen Four only a couple of days ago after Penn State handed Makar & Co. a crushing 5-1 defeat. With the forward finishing his NCAA season at the top of the team in terms of goals, it would be fair to assume that getting the nod from Colorado would only make him hungrier to prove his worth in the NHL. But will having Taylor by his side give Cale another boost to his systems?

Can Taylor Makar make his brother go the extra mile?

The Avalanche is sitting in the third spot of the Central Division, behind only the Jets and the Stars. With 28 goals and 57 assists, Cale Makar has been a driving force behind Colorado’s playoff dreams this season. Even in the team’s latest 2-3 defeat to the Calgary Flames, Cale made sure his squad didn’t go down without a fight as he managed to score a goal in the game.

The 2022 Stanley Cup winner was also one of the most integral members of Team Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off. His injury during the tournament proved to be a major blow, and Team USA managed to make the most of it by defeating the neighbors at their first meeting in Montreal. However, he returned soon after to lend his defensive expertise to his teammates by defeating Finland to reach the finals, where Canada trounced the USA 3-2 at TD Garden to win the trophy.

After the international break too, Cale has been on a role in the NHL. With his brother also signing for the squad, the cumulative experience that the Makar siblings bring to the table could be exactly the thing Colorado needs to reclaim the Stanley Cup once again. But can they? What do you reckon? Tell us below!