The 2026 NHL Draft had many big moments, but one seventh-round pick made history. With the 201st overall pick, the San Jose Sharks selected defenseman Alexander Karmanov from Chisinau, Moldova, making him the tallest player ever drafted in NHL history.

According to ESPN’s NHL Draft broadcast graphic shared on X, Karmanov was born on March 22, 2008, shoots left, and is listed at 7-foot-1. He played part of the 2025-26 season with the North Bay Battalion in the OHL, where he played 20 games and had two assists.

The broadcast also ranked him as NHL Network’s No. 250 prospect. Nick Smith from NHL Central Scouting called him a “very unique player” because his size and reach allow him to cover a lot of ice.

According to Dan O'Leary of the NHL, Karmanov was 7-foot-1 and 272 pounds at the time of the draft. He also became the first player ever drafted out of Moldova

Even though he was picked in the seventh round, his huge size made him one of the most talked-about prospects of the draft weekend.

Now, the San Jose Sharks will closely follow his development as they try to turn his rare physical tools into a long-term NHL project.

How Alexander Karmanov's selection made NHL Draft history

O'Leary's NHL Report also pointed out that Karmanov is taller than some of hockey’s most famous big players. The previous record holder was Hall of Fame defenseman Zdeno Chára, who is 6-foot-9 and is still the tallest player ever to win the Stanley Cup. The tallest active NHL player is Matt Rempe, also listed at 6-foot-9.

After drafting him, the San Jose Sharks shared a scouting video featuring NHL.com’s Adam Kimelman, in which Karmanov’s skills and potential were explained to fans.

The report also mentioned that history was made just before Karmanov was picked. The Winnipeg Jets selected defenseman Alofa Tunoa Ta'amu with the 199th overall pick, making him the first player of Samoan descent ever drafted into the NHL.

Karmanov is still seen as a long-term project rather than an immediate NHL player. However, his record-breaking size has already made him a unique part of NHL history, even before playing a professional game.

Alexander Karmanov entered the NHL Draft as a late-round prospect, but left it as the tallest player ever selected. Now, the big question is whether his rare size can turn into NHL success for the San Jose Sharks.

Can Karmanov turn his size into a successful NHL career with the Sharks? Let us know in the comments.

Read more at the NHL Fan Central. 

Written by

Kapil Manghnani

Edited by

Rudra Dubey