The San Jose Sharks have always had an eye for potential, but their final selection in the 2026 NHL Draft might be the most eye-catching of them all—literally. With the 201st overall pick in the seventh round, the Sharks drafted Alexander Karmanov, a towering 7-foot-1, 272-pound defenseman from the Ontario Hockey League. That makes him the tallest player ever selected in NHL history, according to The Athletic.
Karmanov, who hails from Moldova and has a verbal commitment to Penn State, is an imposing figure on the ice. His size is unprecedented for a draft prospect, and it’s already turning heads across the hockey world. The Sharks, who had a busy draft day with three first-round picks, capped off their haul with this historic late-round flyer.
San Jose’s 2026 draft class is generating plenty of buzz, starting with the selection of Ivar Stenberg at No. 2 overall, followed by Keaton Verhoeff at No. 9 and Ryan Lin at No. 21. But it’s the seventh-round pick that’s making headlines for its sheer scale. As one OHL scout told The Athletic, “He’s very intimidating. Hard to say at that age and so big. I’m on the fence there. There’s such a thing as too big. And with how fast the game is now, he’s toying with too big.”
The scout added that Karmanov’s success will depend on how he impacts the game rather than just his presence. “I wouldn’t have him up yet if I was running a team,” the scout said. Still, the Sharks are betting that Karmanov’s raw size and potential could develop into a steal of the draft under general manager Mike Grier.
Karmanov’s journey to the NHL is unconventional. At 17, he committed to Penn State, a program known for developing big-bodied defensemen. His combination of height and weight—272 pounds—makes him a unique project. While some worry about his mobility in today’s fast-paced game, others see a player who could dominate physically if he adapts.
The Sharks’ draft strategy reflects a team in the midst of a rebuild, aiming to stockpile talent across the board. The tragic loss of former NHL forward Kyle Calder earlier this year served as a reminder of the fragility of life in hockey, but the Sharks are pushing forward with optimism. Karmanov’s selection is a testament to their willingness to take risks on players with extraordinary traits.
For now, Karmanov remains a raw prospect, but his size alone makes him a fascinating figure to watch. If he can refine his skating and puck skills, he could become a nightmare for opposing forwards. The Sharks are hoping that this late-round gamble pays off, adding to a draft class that already has fans excited about the future.
As the hockey world mourns the passing of legends like Claude Lemieux, the Sharks are looking ahead. Karmanov might be a long shot, but he’s proof that the NHL draft is always full of surprises. Whether he becomes a towering success or just a historical footnote, he’s already made his mark by being the tallest player ever drafted.
