Karmanov’s surreal NHL journey: From McDavid sessions to OHL’s brutal grind
The Sharks’ 7-foot-1 defenseman reflects on training with Connor McDavid, adapting to the OHL’s physicality, and his viral rise from Moldovan prospect to NHL draft curiosity.
Alexander Karmanov, the 7-foot-1 defenseman and seventh-round pick of the in the 2026 NHL Draft, is rewriting the blueprint for elite prospects. His journey began in Moldova, where he first laced up skates before catching the attention of North American scouts. By the time he reached the Ontario Hockey League, Karmanov was already a curiosity—his size alone made him a focal point.
