Taylor Makar is quickly making a name for himself in the hockey world as a strong, determined forward with raw potential.
Part of the talented Makar family, he is proving he can stand out on his own.
With a well-known last name and growing fanbase, many are asking: When will Taylor Makar play for the Avs? His path from junior leagues to college stardom has been impressive.
In this blog, we jump into Taylor’s full profile, career stats, and what the future holds for this rising Colorado Avalanche prospect.
Who is Taylor Makar?
Taylor Makar is an emerging hockey talent from Canada, gaining attention for his steady growth and on-ice potential.
Though his last name is familiar, Taylor is building a name for himself through strong performances in junior and college hockey.
Below are the key facts about his personal background and early career:
- Born: March 13, 2001, in Calgary, Alberta
- Height & Weight: 6’3″, 195 lbs
- Position: Right Wing, shoots right
- Education: Attended the University of Massachusetts (UMass)
- Junior Team: Brooks Bandits (AJHL)
Taylor Makar Career Timeline
Take a look at the key milestones that highlight his growth from youth leagues to the professional stage:
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Youth Hockey | Played in Calgary, Alberta (Crowchild Minor Hockey Association). |
| Junior Hockey | Brooks Bandits (AJHL), 2017–2021. Played 104 games, scored 61 points; served as team captain in final year. |
| NHL Draft | Drafted by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, 7th round, 220th overall. |
| College Career |
UMass-Amherst (2021–2024): 85 games, 22 points; led team in goals during 2022–23 season. University of Maine (2024–2025): 38 games, 30 points; career highs; earned Hockey East honors. |
| Professional Transition | Signed entry-level contract with Colorado Avalanche in March 2025; joined AHL affiliate Colorado Eagles. |
| Notable Fact | Comes from a hockey family, with NHL All-Star Cale Makar as his sibling. |
Taylor Makar NHL Draft and Contract Info
Taylor Makar was drafted by the Avalanche, signed after a standout senior year in college, and is currently developing with their top minor league affiliate before aiming to make the NHL roster.
- Draft Year: 2021
- Draft Number: 220th overall (7th round)
- Draft Team: Colorado Avalanche
- Signing Date: March 31, 2025
- Current Contract: One-year, entry-level contract with the Colorado Avalanche for the 2025–26 season; $925,000 cap hit and base salary.
- Minor/Affiliate Team: Colorado Eagles (AHL) for the remainder of the 2024–25 season (on Amateur Tryout).
When Will Taylor Makar Play for the AVS?
Fans are curious to know, when will Taylor play for the AVS:
Current AHL Development
His early AHL games have shown flashes of his size, strength, and offensive instincts, but he still needs consistent ice time to adapt to the pro pace.
The Avalanche views this stage as crucial for sharpening his skating and defensive reliability before giving him NHL minutes.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Projection
In the short term (2025–26), Makar is expected to be a steady contributor in the AHL, working his way into a top-six role with the Eagles.
He may earn a call-up if the Avalanche face injuries or need an energetic bottom-six forward.
Long term, his size and physical play suggest he could grow into a reliable two-way forward, filling a depth role that adds grit and secondary scoring.
Expected NHL Timeline
Fans asking “When will Taylor Makar play for the AVS?” should expect patience. If he continues his upward trend, a brief NHL debut could come late in the 2025–26 season or during the 2026–27 campaign.
Realistically, the Avalanche will give him time to round out his game in the minors before trusting him with a full-time roster spot.
His path mirrors many late-round picks who steadily climb the depth chart before becoming valuable role players in the NHL.
Career Stats & Performance
GP: Games Played, G: Goals, A: Assists, PTS: Points, +/-: Plus-minus
| Season | Team | League | GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | Playoffs GP | Playoffs G | Playoffs A | Playoffs PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021–22 | UMass-Amherst | NCAA (HE) | 17 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022–23 | UMass-Amherst | NCAA (HE) | 32 | 10 | 2 | 12 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023–24 | UMass-Amherst | NCAA (HE) | 36 | 4 | 5 | 9 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| 2024–25 | Univ. of Maine | NCAA (HE) | 39 | 19 | 12 | 31 | 24 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| 2024–25 | Colorado Eagles | AHL | 5 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | — | — | — | — |
Playoff games for college refer to Hockey East or the NCAA Tournament. 2024–25 AHL playoff stats not yet available.
Career Totals (NCAA)
A steady presence across four seasons, showing consistency and clutch play when it mattered most.
- 123 GP | 34 G | 19 A | 53 PTS | +22
- 8 game-winning goals, 2 power-play goals, 2 shorthanded goals across four seasons.
AHL Debut (2025)
A promising start to the pro journey, making an impact in the opening games.
-
5 GP | 1 G | 0 A | 1 PTS | -1 (regular season).
His senior year at Maine showcased his offensive upside, including a memorable hat trick and key playoff contributions.
Taylor Makar’s career demonstrates steady growth. After breaking out with Maine, he made a promising AHL debut and is tracking to become a future NHL regular.
Taylor Makar vs. Cale Makar: Sibling Comparison
Cale Makar is one of the NHL’s top defensemen, known for his elite skating, high hockey IQ, and major achievements, including a Stanley Cup and multiple Norris Trophies.
He plays an offense-driven game and is widely praised for his calm, smart, and skillful style.
Taylor is a rising forward with a different skillset, more physical, hard-working, and focused on forechecking, grit, and creating scoring chances near the crease.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Here are some standout highlights from Taylor Makar’s journey so far, showcasing his growth, leadership, and on-ice impact:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Award | Hockey East Player of the Month (February 2025) |
| Award | Hockey East All-Conference Selection (2024–25) |
| Leadership | Team Captain, Brooks Bandits (AJHL), Final Junior Season |
| Key Game | First Collegiate Hat Trick vs. Boston College (Feb. 28, 2025) |
| Playoff Impact | 2 goals, 2 assists in 3 games, 2025 Hockey East Playoffs |
| Breakout Season | Named Team MVP at Maine for his all-around performance and offensive leadership in 2024–25. |
| Pro Debut Moment | Scored first professional goal with Colorado Eagles (AHL) in April 2025 |
What’s Next for Taylor Makar?
Taylor Makar is set to begin the 2025–26 season with the Colorado Eagles (AHL), focusing on adapting to the pro level and earning more ice time.
If he shows consistency, physical play, and offensive growth, he may get a call-up to the NHL as a depth option.
In the short term, he projects as a bottom-six forward with energy and size.
His main development goals include improving skating, increasing offensive output, and proving defensive reliability to become a trusted role player in the Avalanche system.
Final Thoughts
Taylor’s hockey career is just beginning, and his continued growth suggests he could carve out a meaningful pro role.
He may not have entered the league with the same spotlight as his brother, but he is earning recognition through dedication and constant development.
As he continues his professional journey, fans can look forward to seeing how he develops in the AHL and beyond.
Stay tuned: Taylor Makar’s story is just getting started.
