We all recognize Colorado Avalanche superstar Cale Makar as one of the best defensemen in the world. Now, his younger brother Taylor Makar is getting his own moment in the spotlight. On Friday evening, Taylor received word that he had been called up from the AHL’s Colorado Eagles to join the Avalanche roster.
Unlike his brother, Taylor is a forward, capable of playing both left wing and center, according to Elite Prospects. With that in mind, it’s quite possible that fans could see him make his NHL debut within days. Reports indicate that Gavin Brindley, who typically plays on the fourth line, did not return to action following a hit by Ivan Barbashev, which may have opened the door for Makar’s promotion.
If Makar does get into the lineup, his role will likely be limited to fourth-line minutes, meaning short bursts of ice time. Still, this call-up could be a valuable test for the younger Makar. Can he play smart, stay disciplined, and take advantage of scoring chances when they come? Those will likely be the main things head coach Jared Bednar will be watching for.
Should Bednar slot him in at center, Makar might have the chance to show off his faceoff ability, or use his 6’4”, 209-pound frame to bring a physical edge along the boards—something that could add a useful dynamic to Colorado’s depth lines.
Makar’s 2024–25 season has been a journey of development. He split time between the University of Maine and the Colorado Eagles, tallying 18 goals and 12 assists in 38 games at Maine before moving to the AHL, where he recorded one goal in five games. This season with the Eagles, he’s notched one goal and three assists in nine contests.
Seeing two Makars on the Avalanche roster—potentially even on the ice in the same game—would be quite a sight. Taylor doesn’t need to live up to Cale’s elite standard; instead, this could be about carving out his own path in professional hockey. Whether this call-up comes from injury needs or genuine curiosity about his potential, Bednar’s decision not to summon players like Nikita Prishchepov or Ivan Ivan suggests there’s real interest in seeing what Taylor can offer.
Either way, this is a huge opportunity for the 24-year-old forward. Even if his NHL stint is brief, it represents another step in his progression and a well-earned chance to show what he can do at the sport’s highest level.