by Carlynn Claypool | AHL On The Beat
Since being drafted by the Colorado Avalanche in 2021, Taylor Makar has been referred to as “Cale’s youthful brother.”
Now, the Colorado Eagles ahead is exhibiting the hockey world what he can do.
Makar, whose brother is the two-time Norris Trophy-winning defenseman for the Avalanche, made his skilled debut with the Eagles late within the 2024-25 season, scoring one objective in 5 regular-season video games after ending his school profession on the College of Maine.
He spent three years on the College of Massachusetts-Amherst earlier than transferring to Maine in search of a change of tempo, leading to a breakout senior season with 18 objectives and 30 factors in 38 video games.
Within the first 16 video games of his rookie season with the Eagles, Makar has tallied one objective and three assists, and he has been recalled by the Avalanche twice. He made his NHL debut on Nov. 1 – the spotlight of his profession to this point.
“Getting that chance to play with my brother was fairly superior,” Makar mentioned. “The entire staff was actually welcoming, which was nice.”
Makar’s capability to open up the ice and create alternatives hasn’t gone unnoticed by his teammates, who’ve mentioned they suppose it’s superior he’s getting known as up at this level in his profession.
“He’s a giant energy ahead,” mentioned Eagles captain Jayson Megna. I like the way in which he skates; he’s not afraid to make use of his physique. He’s a north-south participant, and he’s actually efficient when he will get in on the forecheck, creates a number of issues for his or her ‘D’ and scoring possibilities for our staff.”
Makar joined a tight-knit Eagles group, however after coaching camp and beginning the common season with the staff, he’s settled in.
He’s bonded probably the most with the younger gamers who joined Colorado within the playoffs final yr, notably rookie defensemen Hank Kempf and Connor Kelley. Bonding with the staff has given Makar the prospect to open up and present extra of his character across the guys.
“He’s a very easy-going child, he’s type of a jokester in a way,” Megna mentioned. “He’s grown that method within the locker room as properly, simply getting some confidence, attending to know the blokes, and it’s been good to see him open up this yr versus coming right into a staff final yr
the place everybody (already) was so shut.”
Off the ice, Makar described himself as a lighthearted, humorous individual, and he has fairly a couple of hobbies.
“I really like music, love golf, fishing; I’m a giant fisherman. Something on the lake, hanging out, something like that,” the Calgary native mentioned. “I really like rap, nation, the oldies; I make just a little little bit of music only for enjoyable. It began with my cousin some time in the past… I don’t do it an excessive amount of anymore, nevertheless it’s nonetheless enjoyable.”
Whereas Makar doesn’t plan to pursue music as a substitute of hockey, his teammates have seen him sometimes making music whereas the staff is on the highway. Megna mentioned that at some point Makar may even get placed on aux.
However on the finish of the day, Makar hopes folks keep in mind him for greater than objectives or call-ups; he desires to be referred to as teammate who stayed true to himself on and off the ice.
“I’d like to win plenty of issues,” Makar mentioned, “however total, simply be an incredible teammate, nice individual, assist develop the sport, assist develop different peoples’ video games as properly, and make an impression that method.”
