More than his last name: Taylor Makar is carving his own path in Colorado
By Carlynn Claypool
Dec 1, 2025
Since being drafted in 2021, Taylor Makar has been known as “Cale’s younger brother.” Now, the Colorado Eagles forward is showing the world what he can do.
Makar made his professional debut with the Eagles during the 2024-25 playoffs, scoring one goal in five games after finishing his college career with the University of Maine.
Before playing for Maine, he spent three years playing for the University of Massachusetts. Makar transferred to Maine looking for a change of pace, resulting in a breakout season with 30 points in 38 games.
In the first 14 games of his rookie season with the Eagles, Makar tallied five points and has been recalled by the Avalanche twice. He made his NHL debut on Nov. 1 - the highlight of his career to date.
“Getting that opportunity to play with my brother was pretty awesome,” Makar said. “The whole team was really welcoming, which was great.”
Makar’s ability to open up the ice and create opportunities hasn’t gone unnoticed by his teammates, who’ve said they think it’s awesome he’s getting called up at this point in his career.
“He’s a big power forward. I like the way he skates; he’s not afraid to use his body,” Eagles captain Jayson Megna said. “He’s a North-South player, and he’s really effective when he gets in on the forecheck, creates a lot of problems for their D and scoring chances for our team.”
Makar joined a tight-knit Eagles group, but after training camp and starting the regular season with the team, he’s settled in.
He’s bonded the most with the young players who joined Colorado in the playoffs last year, particularly Eagles defenseman Hank Kempf and Utah Grizzlies defenseman Connor Kelley who was recently reassigned to the Grizzlies.
Bonding with the team has given Makar the chance to open up and show more of his personality around the guys.
“He’s a really easygoing kid, he’s kind of a jokester in a sense,” Megna said. “He’s kind of grown that way in the locker room as well, just getting some confidence, getting to know the guys, and it’s been nice to see him open up this year as opposed to coming into a team last year where everyone was so close.”
Off the ice, Makar described himself as a lighthearted, funny person, and he has quite a few hobbies.
“I love music, love golf, fishing; I’m a big fisherman. Anything on the lake, hanging out, anything like that,” Makar said. “I love rap, country, the oldies; I make a little bit of music just for fun. It started with my cousin a while ago, I don’t do it too much anymore, but it’s still fun.”
While Makar doesn't plan to pursue making music instead of playing hockey, his teammates have seen him occasionally making music while the team is on the road. Megna said that one day Makar might even get put on aux.
But at the end of the day, Makar hopes people remember him for more than goals or call-ups; he wants to be known as a good teammate who stayed true to himself on and off the ice.
“I’d love to win lots of things,” Makar said, “but overall, just be a great teammate, great person, help grow the game, help grow other peoples’ games as well, and make an impact that way."
