--- title: "6'9\" Karmanov rewrites NHL draft books at 201st overall" description: "San Jose selects the tallest player ever in the 2026 draft, turning late-round risk into a league-wide talking point." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/alexander-karmanov-makes-nhl-history-as-tallest-player-ever-c234731c published: 2026-06-29T17:58:05.613+00:00 updated: 2026-06-29T17:58:05.613+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["hockey"] --- # 6'9" Karmanov rewrites NHL draft books at 201st overall > San Jose selects the tallest player ever in the 2026 draft, turning late-round risk into a league-wide talking point. Alexander Karmanov made NHL history Saturday when the San Jose Sharks selected him 201st overall in the seventh round of the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. At 6-foot-9, Karmanov shattered the previous record for tallest player ever drafted, surpassing the mark set by the Buffalo Sabres’ selection of 6-foot-8 defenseman Ville Siren in 2019. The Sharks’ decision to draft Karmanov in the final round underscores the NHL’s increasing tolerance for late-round gambles on towering prospects, particularly at the defenseman position. The 2026 draft class had already featured a cluster of oversized defensemen, but Karmanov’s selection at the tail end of the draft sent ripples through the hockey world. Scouts and analysts noted his mobility despite his frame, a trait that has become more critical for teams prioritizing size in their defensive pipelines. The Sharks, who finished 12th in the Western Conference in 2025-26, have leaned into developmental projects in recent years, and Karmanov fits the mold of a high-upside, high-risk prospect. Karmanov’s path to the NHL was unconventional. He spent the 2025-26 season with the Drummondville Voltigeurs in the QMJHL, where he appeared in 58 games, recording 8 goals and 22 points while averaging 18:42 of ice time per game. His physical presence and shot-blocking ability stood out, but his offensive production lagged behind peers. Still, his 6-foot-9, 220-pound frame and 83-inch wingspan drew comparisons to towering NHL defensemen like Victor Hedman and Erik Karlsson, albeit at a far earlier stage of development. The Sharks’ scouting department, led by director of amateur scouting Ryan Warsofsky, has increasingly prioritized size in late-round selections. Warsofsky told reporters after the draft that Karmanov’s “elite reach and defensive instincts” were too compelling to pass up, even at 201st overall. The Sharks now hold the rights to Karmanov for three years, giving them ample time to evaluate his progress in their minor-league system. Karmanov’s selection is no isolated gamble; it’s part of a growing pattern where clubs treat the seventh round as a laboratory for high‑risk, high‑reward assets. The league has seen a noticeable uptick in late‑round selections of oversized blueliners, prompting general managers to re‑evaluate the traditional height ceiling for late‑round picks. This trend indicates a broader acceptance of unconventional player profiles, as teams increasingly recognize that size can be a game-changer in a league that has traditionally favored speed and skill. Moreover, Karmanov's selection could serve as a catalyst for other teams to pursue similarly sized players, potentially reshaping the draft landscape in future years. As the NHL evolves, the emphasis on physicality and defensive prowess may lead to a new wave of towering defensemen entering the league, challenging the norms of player evaluation and selection strategies. The Sharks’ bold move could inspire a league-wide shift in how organizations approach the draft, particularly in the later rounds. For the Sharks, the next step is a rigorous AHL apprenticeship. The Barracuda’s coaching staff plans to give Karmanov top‑minute minutes on the power play and penalty kill, testing whether his 83‑inch wingspan can translate into defensive zone coverage against seasoned professionals. The three‑year rights window gives San Jose a runway to decide whether the size‑first approach can be justified with NHL‑ready performance. San Jose Sharks director of amateur scouting Ryan Warsofsky: “Karmanov’s reach and defensive instincts are elite. We see a player who can anchor a defensive zone and disrupt opponents with his size and mobility.” What's next: Karmanov will report to the Sharks’ American Hockey League affiliate, the San Jose Barracuda, for the 2026-27 season. His development will be closely watched as teams across the NHL assess whether late-round size plays can yield NHL-ready defensemen. The Sharks’ gamble could set a new precedent for how organizations value height in draft strategy. ## Why this matters Karmanov’s selection at 201st overall signals a shift in NHL draft philosophy, where size—even at the tail end of the draft—commands premium attention. The league’s growing emphasis on towering defensemen reflects a broader trend toward prioritizing physical tools and defensive upside over traditional offensive metrics. For teams like San Jose, late-round swings on high-ceiling prospects like Karmanov represent a cost-effective way to address roster gaps while betting on the next big thing in a position where size increasingly dictates value. ## Frequently asked ### Who held the previous record for tallest NHL draft pick before Karmanov? Ville Siren, selected 189th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in 2019, previously held the record at 6-foot-8. ### Which team drafted Alexander Karmanov and in what round? The San Jose Sharks selected Karmanov in the seventh round, 201st overall, of the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. ### What position does Karmanov play? Karmanov is a defenseman, a position where size and reach are increasingly valued in modern hockey. ### Where did Karmanov play before being drafted? He spent the 2025-26 season with the Drummondville Voltigeurs in the QMJHL, appearing in 58 games. ### How long do the Sharks retain Karmanov’s rights? The Sharks hold Karmanov’s rights for three years, giving them time to evaluate his development in their minor-league system. ### What did Sharks scouting director Ryan Warsofsky say about Karmanov? Warsofsky highlighted Karmanov’s "elite reach and defensive instincts" as key factors in the selection. ## Sources & Citations - [Alexander Karmanov Makes NHL History as Tallest Player Ever Drafted After Sharks Selection - Bleacher Report](https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25447213-alexander-karmanov-makes-nhl-history-tallest-player-ever-drafted-after-sharks-selection) — NewsAPI.org (2026-06-27) --- Cite: 6'9" Karmanov rewrites NHL draft books at 201st overall. Sportopod, 2026-06-29. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/alexander-karmanov-makes-nhl-history-as-tallest-player-ever-c234731c