Taylor Makar’s stint with the Colorado Avalanche may have been brief, but it was the kind of experience that sticks with a young player-and not just because he got to share the ice with his brother, Cale.
For nine games through January and into early February, the 24-year-old forward was part of the Avalanche lineup, soaking in the NHL pace, the physicality, and the day-to-day rhythm of life at the highest level of the sport. And while his name didn’t show up on the scoresheet, the value of those minutes went far beyond the box score.
“It’s been awesome,” Makar said. “I’m pretty happy to get the experience, that’s for sure.
Just keep learning new things, keep learning how the pace is played, how physical it is, stuff like that. And to be alongside him, it’s really cool.”
This wasn’t Makar’s first taste of NHL action. He also suited up for three games back in November, bringing his season total to 12 appearances. And each time he’s been called up, there’s been a clear sign of progress.
“His development continues on an upward trend,” said Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar. “I think we’ve seen him a couple times through the course of the season so far, and he’s looked better and better and more comfortable the more he’s been here.”
That’s exactly what you want to hear about a young player trying to break into a veteran-heavy lineup. Makar’s game is still growing, and the Avalanche are taking the long view with him.
After Colorado’s 4-2 win over the San Jose Sharks on Wednesday, the team reassigned him to the AHL’s Colorado Eagles ahead of the Olympic break. With the NHL roster healthy and intact, there’s no immediate path back to the big club for now.
But that doesn’t mean the hockey stops.
The American Hockey League continues through the Olympic break, and Makar will be logging important minutes with the Eagles-valuable reps in his development curve. Meanwhile, his brother Cale will be on the world stage, representing their native country in the Games.
And Taylor? He’ll be watching just like the rest of us.
“Super excited. I think it’s going to be awesome,” he said.
“If it’s anything like how the last year was (4 Nations Face-Off) with Team Canada, USA, Sweden, all that, it’s going to be extremely exciting. So pumped to watch the whole team.
I become a huge hockey fan when that’s on.”
It’s a reminder that even for pro athletes, the love of the game runs deep. For Taylor Makar, this season has been about growth-on the ice, in the room, and in the moments spent beside his brother. His time with the Avalanche may be on pause, but his journey is far from over.