Taylor Makar’s experience playing alongside his brother Cale with the Colorado Avalanche was truly memorable. The young forward was in the lineup for nine games in January and into the beginning of February before the Olympic break.
“It’s been awesome. 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,” Makar said.
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The 24-year-old played three games with the Avs in November for a total of 12 games this season. Although he did not get on the scoresheet, the experience has been valuable for him.
“His development continues on an upward trend. 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,” head coach Jared Bednar said.
The Avalanche sent Makar back to the Colorado Eagles after the 4-2 win over the San Jose Sharks on Wednesday. He is not expected to return to the Avs after the Olympic break with a fully healthy roster.
The American Hockey League is not on break like the NHL. Makar will play with the Eagles while his brother represents their native country in the games. But he will be watching no matter what.
“Super excited. I think it’s going to be awesome. 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,” Makar said. “So pumped to watch the whole team. I become a huge hockey fan when that’s on.”