DENVER — Taylor Makar has been recalled by the Colorado Avalanche ahead of Thursday night’s matchup against the Buffalo Sabres, the team announced Thursday.

The 24‑year‑old forward has appeared in 13 games this season with the Colorado Eagles, the Avalanche’s AHL affiliate, recording one goal and three assists.

NHL (@NHL) on XEvery other team's worst nightmare, two Makars! 😱 Taylor Makar, Cale's younger brother, is making his NHL debut!

Why Makar Was Called Up

The call-up comes in the wake of a lower-body injury suffered by Valeri Nichushkin, who left Tuesday’s game against the Anaheim Ducks early in the third period after blocking a shot. Coach Bednar confirmed Wednesday morning that the 6-foot-3, 209-pound right winger would "miss some time," but there is currently no timetable for his return.

A seventh‑round selection in 2021, Makar signed a one‑year, entry‑level contract extending through the 2025‑26 season.

Prior to turning professional, he spent three seasons at UMass Amherst, compiling 15 goals and seven assists across 85 games from 2021 to 2023. He subsequently transferred to the University of Maine for the 2024‑25 campaign, where he produced 18 goals and 12 assists for 30 points in 38 contests.

Meanwhile, Cale Makar, Taylor's older brother, continues to lead the Avalanche’s blueline corps in 2025‑26, tallying six goals and 17 assists in 17 games.

Colorado sits atop the NHL standings with an impressive 11‑1‑5 record.

Taylor Makar made his NHL debut on November 1 when the Avalanche lost in overtime against the San Jose Sharks in a 3-2 heartbreaker. He averaged 6:07 of ice time during the game. It marked the first time two brothers had taken the ice together for the same NHL team since Mathieu Joseph and Pierre‑Olivier Joseph suited up for the St. Louis Blues during the 2024‑25 season.

The Game

Live from Ball Arena, the Avs will take on the struggling Sabers, who live in frosty conditions, but they've been just as cold with their shooting, as they've dropped seven of their last eight games. Coverage begins at 7 p.m. local time. 

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