San Jose Sharks selected 7-foot-1, 272-pound defenseman Alexander Karmanov in the seventh round of the 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft, making him the tallest player ever drafted into the league. The selection, announced on Saturday, drew immediate attention due to Karmanov's unprecedented height.
Karmanov recently appeared at Sharks development camp, where his presence was a notable spectacle. His immense size drew crowds and comments, with veteran players like Joe Thornton reportedly appearing smaller in comparison. Karmanov himself acknowledged his physical game as a key area he aims to leverage, though he also noted that this approach has led to penalties in past junior play. He has previously interacted with notable NHL figures such as Zdeno Chara and Brent Burns, drawing on their experiences.
While drafted late in the seventh round, Karmanov’s sheer scale presents a unique proposition. He possesses puck skills and uses his stick effectively on defense. The team emphasized his selection, ensuring it was not perceived as an error. Should Karmanov eventually make the NHL roster, he would stand as the league's tallest player.
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