NHL Draft: Sharks Seventh-Rounder Alexander Karmanov Becomes Tallest Player Ever Drafted at 7-foot-1

A Historic Selection in the Seventh Round

The later rounds of the NHL Draft often see teams taking calculated risks on players with unique attributes, hoping to unearth a hidden gem. The San Jose Sharks took this philosophy to a whole new level in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. With the 201st overall pick in the seventh round, the Sharks selected defenseman Alexander Karmanov, a player who immediately etched his name in the league’s history books. Standing at an unprecedented 7-foot-1 and weighing in at 280 pounds, Karmanov became the tallest player ever drafted in the history of the National Hockey League. This selection sent a ripple of excitement and intrigue through the hockey world, as fans and analysts alike began to ponder the potential of such a colossal athlete on the ice.

Karmanov’s selection was not only noteworthy for his towering stature but also for his background. He is the first player born in Chisinau, Moldova, to ever be drafted into the NHL, a testament to the ever-expanding global reach of the sport. While many late-round picks fly under the radar, Karmanov’s unique physical profile has made him one of the most talked-about prospects of his draft class. The Sharks’ decision to use a draft pick on such a raw and unproven talent is a clear indication of their willingness to invest in a long-term project with a potentially massive payoff.

The Tale of the Tape: A Physical Anomaly

To say that Alexander Karmanov is a large human being would be a significant understatement. At 7-foot-1, he shatters the previous record for the tallest player drafted, a distinction held by players who stood at 6-foot-9. His massive frame is complemented by a weight of 280 pounds, giving him a physical presence that is virtually unmatched in the world of hockey. On skates, his height is even more imposing, reaching an estimated 7-foot-4, a stature comparable to that of NBA phenom Victor Wembanyama. This incredible size presents both a world of opportunity and a unique set of challenges for the young defenseman.

The most obvious advantage Karmanov possesses is his incredible reach. His ability to cover vast areas of the ice with his stick is a significant defensive asset. Opposing forwards will find it incredibly difficult to navigate around him, and his poke-checking ability could become a serious weapon in breaking up plays. His sheer size also makes him a formidable presence in front of the net and along the boards, areas where he can use his strength to his advantage. However, with such a large frame comes the challenge of skating and agility. While he is considered to be agile for his size, the speed of the professional game will be a significant test.

Scouting the Moldovan Giant: A Raw but Intriguing Prospect

Scouts are in agreement that Alexander Karmanov is a long-term project. His journey to the NHL will be a marathon, not a sprint. While his physical attributes are undeniable, his overall hockey skills are still developing. In his time with the North Bay Battalion of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), he showed flashes of his potential, but also areas that need significant improvement. In 20 games with the Battalion during the 2025-26 season, he recorded two assists and 29 penalty minutes.

One of the most promising aspects of Karmanov’s game is his understanding of his role. He embraces the identity of a shutdown, physical defenseman. Elite Prospects notes that he is a “rush-stopping, downright mean defender who takes pride in the details.” His willingness to engage physically and his desire to impose his will on opponents are traits that cannot be taught. The key to his success will be his ability to refine his skating, puck-handling, and decision-making to a level that can compete with the best players in the world. The San Jose Sharks‘ development staff will have their work cut out for them, but the raw materials are there to mold a truly unique and impactful player.

A Journey from Moldova to North America

Alexander Karmanov’s path to the NHL Draft is a story of dedication and perseverance. Growing up in Moldova, a country not traditionally known for producing hockey talent, Karmanov faced unique challenges. Access to ice rinks was limited, often only available for a few months out of the year. To pursue his passion, Karmanov and his family would embark on long journeys, driving hours to neighboring countries for weekend games and even undertaking 20-hour drives for summer hockey camps. This commitment to the sport at a young age is a strong indicator of his drive and determination to succeed.

His journey eventually led him to North America, where he has played in various leagues to develop his game. Before joining the North Bay Battalion in the OHL, he played for the Brantford Titans in the Greater Ontario Hockey League (GOJHL), where he showed some offensive promise with seven points in 15 games. He has also played in Russia and Belarus, as well as with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights under-16 team in Pennsylvania. This diverse range of experiences has exposed him to different styles of play and has undoubtedly contributed to his growth as a player. His commitment to his development is further evidenced by his decision to play NCAA hockey at Penn State University, starting in the 2027-28 season.

The ‘Zdeno Chara’ Comparison: A Towering Precedent

Whenever a player of exceptional height enters the hockey world, comparisons to the legendary Zdeno Chara are inevitable. At 6-foot-9, Chara was a dominant force in the NHL for over two decades, winning a Norris Trophy as the league’s best defenseman and captaining the Boston Bruins to a Stanley Cup championship. Chara’s success proved that a player of his stature could not only survive but thrive in the fast-paced world of the NHL. He leveraged his size and reach to become one of the most feared and respected defenders of his generation.

While the comparisons to Chara are a natural starting point, it is important to remember that Karmanov is his own player. The game has evolved since Chara’s prime, with an even greater emphasis on speed and skill. However, Chara’s career provides a blueprint for how a player with exceptional size can find success. Like Chara in his early years, Karmanov’s skating is a work in progress. It is worth noting that many scouts did not initially see Chara as a future NHL star, yet he went on to have a Hall of Fame career. The San Jose Sharks are undoubtedly hoping that Karmanov can follow a similar trajectory of continuous improvement and development.

A Glimpse into the San Jose Sharks’ Future

The selection of Alexander Karmanov is a fascinating addition to a San Jose Sharks prospect pool that is considered to be one of the best in the league. The Sharks have been in a rebuilding phase, and their recent drafts have been focused on acquiring high-end skill and talent. In the 2026 draft alone, they selected highly-touted forward Ivar Stenberg with the second overall pick and promising defenseman Keaton Verhoeff at ninth overall. The addition of a unique, high-risk, high-reward player like Karmanov in the later rounds is a luxury that a team with a deep prospect pool can afford to take.

The Sharks’ future is being built around a core of exciting young players. With prospects like Michael Misa, Sam Dickinson, and Yaroslav Askarov in the system, the team is well-positioned for a return to contention in the coming years. Karmanov’s development will be a long-term storyline to follow for Sharks fans. While he is unlikely to make an immediate impact, his potential to become a dominant defensive force is an intriguing possibility. If he can refine his skills and adapt to the speed of the professional game, he could become a valuable and unique asset for the Sharks for years to come.

The Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

The road to the NHL is a long and arduous one for any prospect, and for a player with Alexander Karmanov’s unique physical makeup, the challenges will be even more pronounced. His development will require a specialized and patient approach from the San Jose Sharks‘ coaching and development staff. Everything from his equipment to his training regimen will need to be customized to his massive frame. He has already faced challenges with finding gear that fits, with his grandfather and team equipment staff often having to make custom alterations.

However, with these challenges come incredible opportunities. A player with Karmanov’s size and reach has the potential to be a true game-changer in the defensive zone. If he can become a competent skater, his ability to shut down opposing forwards could be elite. The modern NHL is all about finding players with unique and valuable skills, and Karmanov certainly fits that description. His journey will be closely watched by the entire hockey world, as he attempts to turn his record-breaking size into a successful and impactful NHL career.

A Late-Round Pick Worth Watching

In the grand scheme of the NHL Draft, a seventh-round pick is often a long shot to make a significant impact at the highest level. However, Alexander Karmanov is no ordinary seventh-round pick. His historic size and intriguing potential make him one of the most fascinating prospects to emerge from the 2026 draft class. The San Jose Sharks have taken a low-risk gamble with a potentially monumental reward.

Whether or not Karmanov ever plays a game in the NHL remains to be seen. However, his story is already one of inspiration and dedication. From the limited ice rinks of Moldova to the bright lights of the NHL Draft, he has already overcome significant obstacles to pursue his dream. As he continues his development in the OHL and eventually at Penn State, the hockey world will be watching to see if this gentle giant can become the next great shutdown defenseman in the National Hockey League.