--- title: "Karmanov makes history: 7-foot-1 defenseman becomes tallest NHL draft pick ever" description: "The San Jose Sharks take a bold gamble on Alexander Karmanov, the tallest player ever drafted in NHL history." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/alexander-karmanov-selected-in-the-seventh-round-by-the-san-59e0e6ae published: 2026-06-29T17:06:48.923+00:00 updated: 2026-06-29T17:06:48.923+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["hockey"] --- # Karmanov makes history: 7-foot-1 defenseman becomes tallest NHL draft pick ever > The San Jose Sharks take a bold gamble on Alexander Karmanov, the tallest player ever drafted in NHL history. Alexander Karmanov, a towering 7-foot-1 defenseman, was selected by the San Jose Sharks in the seventh round of the 2026 NHL Draft, making history as the tallest player ever drafted in the NHL. Standing at 7-foot-4 in skates, Karmanov's selection marks a significant moment for the league, as he joins the ranks of professional hockey after a season split between the GOJHL and OHL. While his offensive output was limited, his sheer size and reach were on full display. Karmanov's journey to the NHL has been anything but conventional. During his time in the GOJHL and OHL, he recorded minimal points, raising questions about his offensive capabilities. However, his imposing stature has drawn comparisons to other sports giants, including NBA star Victor Wembanyama. The Sharks are betting on Karmanov's potential to redefine defensive play, leveraging his size to disrupt opposing offenses. Reactions to Karmanov's selection have been mixed. Some analysts praise the Sharks for taking a chance on a player with such physical attributes, while others express concern over his skating and overall development. The gamble reflects a broader trend in sports where teams are willing to invest in unique physical specimens, despite the uncertainties that accompany them. Karmanov's selection is a stark departure from the modern NHL's emphasis on speed and skill. His success will hinge on the Sharks' ability to develop a player whose physical profile is unprecedented in the league's history. The team's development staff will need to create a specialized training program to address his mobility, a task that has proven difficult for other exceptionally tall players who have attempted to make the jump. Historically, players over 6-foot-7 have struggled to find sustained NHL success, with Zdeno Chara being the notable exception. Chara, at 6-foot-9, combined his height with elite skating and a powerful shot to become a Hall of Fame defenseman. Karmanov's path will be even more challenging, requiring him to overcome a greater height disadvantage in a league that has only gotten faster since Chara's prime. The Sharks' pick also underscores the league's growing fascination with extreme physical profiles. In recent years, the NHL has seen a surge in players drafted from non-traditional hockey markets, including Europe and Africa. Karmanov's Moldovan heritage adds another layer to this trend, signaling that the league is expanding its talent pool beyond the usual North American pipelines. His selection could pave the way for more unconventional prospects to receive opportunities in the future. Karmanov's raw size alone doesn't guarantee NHL success, but it does force a reckoning with how the league evaluates talent. His development will be a test case for whether extreme physical attributes can compensate for other deficiencies in a sport that increasingly prioritizes agility and puck-handling. The Sharks are not just drafting a player; they're drafting a project that could reshape roster construction philosophies across the league. What's next: As Karmanov transitions to the NHL, his development will be closely monitored. The Sharks will need to address his skating limitations and help him refine his game to maximize his potential. If successful, Karmanov could become a transformative figure in the league, but the road ahead will be challenging. ## Why this matters Karmanov's historic selection shatters the NHL draft height record, introducing a generational physical specimen to the league. His raw size—comparable to NBA giant Victor Wembanyama—could redefine defensive play, but his skating limitations and developmental needs pose major hurdles. The pick also signals the NHL's willingness to take calculated risks on unconventional talent, potentially reshaping how the league evaluates and develops players in the future. ## Frequently asked ### Who is Alexander Karmanov? Alexander Karmanov is a 7-foot-1 defenseman from Moldova, selected by the San Jose Sharks in the seventh round of the 2026 NHL Draft, making him the tallest player ever drafted in NHL history. ### What teams did Karmanov play for before joining the NHL? Before entering the NHL, Karmanov played in the GOJHL and OHL, where he showcased his size but had limited scoring production. ### How does Karmanov compare to other tall athletes? Karmanov's height is comparable to NBA star Victor Wembanyama, making him a unique physical specimen in the world of sports, particularly in hockey. ### What are the concerns regarding Karmanov's game? While Karmanov's size is impressive, concerns about his skating ability and overall offensive upside remain critical questions as he transitions to the NHL. ### What impact could Karmanov have on the NHL? If Karmanov can develop his skills, his unprecedented size could transform defensive play in the NHL, potentially changing how teams approach defense. ### Why did the Sharks draft Karmanov in the seventh round? The Sharks likely viewed Karmanov as a long-term project with untapped potential. Seventh-round picks often carry minimal risk, allowing teams to gamble on raw physical tools that could develop into unique roster assets. ## Sources & Citations - [Alexander Karmanov, selected in the seventh round by the San Jose Sharks, is the tallest player ever drafted to the NHL - RMNB](https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2026/06/27/alexander-karmanov-san-jose-sharks-tallest-player-ever-seventh-round-2026-nhl-draft/) — NewsAPI.org (2026-06-27) --- Cite: Karmanov makes history: 7-foot-1 defenseman becomes tallest NHL draft pick ever. Sportopod, 2026-06-29. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/alexander-karmanov-selected-in-the-seventh-round-by-the-san-59e0e6ae