Full Breakdown
San Jose Sharks Draft Alexander Karmanov, Making History as Tallest Player Ever Selected
6/28/2026, 1:50:03 AM
Historic Draft Selection: Sharks Pick 7-Foot-1 Defenseman Alexander Karmanov 201st Overall
On June 27 2026, the San Jose Sharks used the 201st overall pick in the seventh round of the 2026 NHL Entry Draft to select defenseman Alexander Karmanov. At 7 feet 1 inch, Karmanov became the tallest player ever drafted in NHL history. The selection also marked the first time a player born in Moldova was chosen in an NHL draft.
Development Path: From Moldova to North American Junior Hockey
Karmanov was born in Chisinau, Moldova, and later moved to Russia and Belarus to develop his game during the 2023-24 season. He spent the 2024-25 season with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights under-16 team in Pennsylvania before joining the Greater Ontario Hockey League’s Brantford Titans. In November 2025 he signed with the North Bay Battalion of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), where he completed the 2025-26 season.
Physical Profile and Junior Production
NHL Central Scouting lists Karmanov at 7 ft 1 in and 272 lb (TheScore) or 280 lb (DailyFaceoff). Ranked 214th among North American skaters, he was projected undrafted. In the GOJHL he posted 3 G, 4 A and 68 PIM in 15 games; in the OHL he added 2 A and 29 PIM in 20 games.
Sharks’ Rationale and Official Outlook
Sharks officials said the pick targets physical upside and long-term development. Karmanov will remain with the North Bay Battalion for 2026-27 before joining Penn State’s NCAA program in 2027-28. The team emphasized patience, noting size alone does not guarantee NHL readiness but can be refined through coaching.
Skepticism Over a Size-First Pick
Analysts caution that Karmanov’s selection was driven more by size than proven skill. His low Central Scouting rank and projected undrafted status raise concerns about skating, puck handling and decision-making. Critics warn that a size-first approach may waste a valuable draft slot on a prospect needing extensive development.
Conflicting Data and Unresolved Questions
Sources list Karmanov at either 272 lb (TheScore) or 280 lb (DailyFaceoff, El-Balad). Penalty minutes differ: 68 in the GOJHL versus 29 in the OHL. While Central Scouting ranked him 214th among North American skaters, his projected draft round varied before the Sharks’ pick. These gaps underscore limited public data on his performance.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There has literally never been a bigger player to play high-level ice hockey.” — Ellis, scout/analyst
- “Karmanov won’t get drafted this year based on pure hockey talent alone.” — Ellis, scout/analyst
- “But an NHL team will absolutely select him on his size and look to mold that into something tangible.” — Ellis, scout/analyst
- “He’s a truly unique prospect, and one MANY teams have interest in.” — Ellis, scout/analyst
Future Outlook: OHL Season and NCAA Commitment
Karmanov will return to the North Bay Battalion for the 2026-27 OHL season, where he is expected to receive more ice time and defensive duties. He is committed to Penn State University’s Nittany Lions for the 2027-28 NCAA season. Observers will watch whether his size can be paired with improved skating and decision-making to become an NHL-ready defenseman, echoing Zdeno Chára’s early path.
