Sharks draft tallest player in NHL history with seventh-round pick
San Jose selected Alexander Karmanov, a 7-foot-1 defenseman, with the 201st overall pick, becoming the tallest player ever drafted into the NHL.
The San Jose Sharks made NHL draft history Saturday when they used their seventh‑round selection to take Alexander Karmanov, a 7‑foot‑1 defenseman, making him the tallest player ever drafted into the league. The team announced the pick during the final round of the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, and the selection immediately drew attention for the player’s unprecedented size and raw physical upside. The decision has generated discussion about developmental approaches for extremely large prospects and what a player of Karmanov’s stature could mean for the Sharks’ long‑term roster planning. (nhl.com)
Sharks make history with seventh-round pick
The Sharks used the 201st overall pick in the seventh round to select Karmanov on June 27, 2026, a choice that marked the first time a player listed at 7‑foot‑1 has been taken in the NHL Draft. League and team coverage noted the selection as a record‑setting moment and underscored that the organization was comfortable taking a long‑term developmental swing late in the draft. San Jose’s social channels confirmed the pick and shared initial scouting materials ahead of fuller evaluations. (nhl.com)
The selection also carried a milestone for Karmanov’s country of origin, with NHL coverage reporting he is the first player drafted from Moldova. That detail expanded the pick’s significance beyond height alone, highlighting the increasingly global reach of NHL scouting networks. Observers immediately framed the choice as both symbolic and strategic for a franchise still building depth in its prospect pool. (nhl.com)
Player profile: Alexander Karmanov
Karmanov is listed at 7‑foot‑1, with published weight figures ranging from 272 to 280 pounds depending on the outlet, and he plays the position of defenseman. The 18‑year‑old is described in league and media reports as a late‑arriving prospect whose size offers unique advantages in reach and net‑front presence, while also raising conventional development questions about mobility and endurance at elite levels. Team and league scouting content emphasized the combination of extraordinary length and the need for a structured conditioning and skill plan. (nhl.com)
Reports identified Karmanov’s hometown as Chisinau, Moldova, and noted his status as a near‑term college commit, with a pledge to join Penn State University beginning in the 2027–28 season. That pathway suggests the Sharks envision a gradual development timetable that balances physical maturation with on‑ice instruction. (sportsnet.ca)
Junior career and development path
Karmanov’s recent junior stops include time with the North Bay Battalion after being selected in the CHL Import Draft, as well as earlier appearances for the Brantford Bulldogs’ affiliate in the Greater Ontario Hockey League. Media accounts listed modest offensive totals in limited appearances but emphasized heavy physical play, penalty minutes and the kind of on‑ice presence that attracts late‑round, size‑driven selections. He has also played in youth programs in the United States, Russia and Belarus, experiences that contributed to his unconventional development arc. (sportsnet.ca)
Those stops provide a foundation for the Sharks’ development staff to shape a multi‑year plan that addresses skating mechanics, gap control and strength conditioning. The club’s decision to take Karmanov late in the draft reflects a common NHL approach: use a low‑risk pick on a high‑ceiling physical project and rely on collegiate or junior seasons to refine fundamentals. (sportsnet.ca)
Scouting reaction and immediate evaluation
Scouts and analysts reacted to the pick by focusing on both the potential and the uncertainties inherent in projecting extremely tall players. The NHL and team released video breakdowns that underlined Karmanov’s reach and ability to block passing lanes, while also flagging skating and positioning as areas that will determine whether his size translates to consistent pro minutes. Observers described the selection as a calculated gamble typical of late rounds — a grab for upside that could pay off if the player’s mobility and competitiveness continue to improve. (nhl.com)
Internal Sharks commentary, reflected in social posts and the team’s scouting clips, framed the pick as intentional rather than novelty‑driven, signaling a commitment to providing resources and attention to maximize any long‑term return. That messaging will be important as the organization integrates Karmanov into its development pipeline. (nhl.com)
What the pick means for the Sharks’ prospect pool
Adding Karmanov gives San Jose a distinctly different type of prospect amid its broader group, increasing positional diversity and the range of futures the club can pursue. For a franchise that has invested in both elite skill and size in recent drafts, the selection reflects a willingness to explore unconventional trajectories and to accept extended timelines for physical projects. If Karmanov reaches the NHL, he would set a new benchmark for player size in game action, creating both marketing interest and practical roster considerations. (nhl.com)
From a personnel standpoint, the pick is unlikely to alter short‑term plans but could yield long‑term value if conditioning and skill work allow Karmanov to leverage his reach and defensive instincts. The Sharks’ development staff and Penn State’s program will both have roles in shaping how quickly he advances. (sportsnet.ca)
Karmanov’s selection on draft night was a record moment and a clear statement of intent by the Sharks to cast a wide net in talent acquisition. Observers will now track his progress through junior and collegiate stops, evaluate how his game adapts to pro‑level pace, and judge whether exceptional size can be converted into sustained NHL performance. (nhl.com)
