NHL Draft Spotlight: Alexander Karmanov’s Unique Journey

The recent NHL Draft was filled with intriguing narratives. Among them was Gavin McKenna joining the Toronto Maple Leafs, Caleb Malhotra being selected by the Vancouver Canucks, following in his father’s footsteps, and Ottawa choosing Jaxon Cover from the Cayman Islands with the 32nd pick. Cover started his hockey journey with inline puck before transitioning to ice hockey just five years ago.

A particularly remarkable story is that of Alexander Karmanov from Moldova. At 7’1″, Karmanov broke records as the tallest player ever drafted in the NHL, standing three inches taller than former NHL star Zdeno Chara. Karmanov was picked by the San Jose Sharks in the seventh round, following his season with the North Bay Battalion in the OHL.

Looking ahead, Karmanov plans to join Penn State, known for its emerging college hockey program, in 2027. Despite some concerns about his readiness for the NHL, his performance at the San Jose Sharks development camp offered a glimpse into his potential. Though his skating was critiqued on social media, his presence in the Sharks’ prospect game demonstrated his effectiveness on the ice.

At 7’1″, Karmanov’s reach is unmatched. His ability to shield the puck with his body poses a challenge for smaller NHL players trying to retrieve the puck from him. His size and strength were on full display during the Sharks development camp, hinting at his potential impact in the NHL.

Though he has a couple of years to go before joining the NHL, Karmanov is expected to be a formidable opponent in the OHL and later at Penn State. His unique skills and stature make him a player to watch in the coming years.