Huge buzz around 2026 draft prospect Alexander Karmanov who’s is 7’0” and 273 lb!

Remember the name Alexander Karmanov. He could be considered the world’s tallest hockey player and at just 16 years old, he’s already getting people talking in the National Hockey League. He is 7’0” and 273 lb, and some say he might grow another few inches before puberty ends.

The unique prospect has already picked the college where he wants to develop his craft, committing to Penn State University of the NCAA. The defenseman from Moldova is one of the rare 16-year-olds from outside top junior hockey leagues in the United States to commit to a Division I program, but seeing his stature, talent and the enigma behind the unusual prospect, it all makes sense.

His Elite Prospect page reveals that Karmanov is playing for the Knights’ Under-16 AAA program during the 2024-25 season, after spending the previous campaign in Russia with Vityaz Podolsk’s Under-16 team, as well as Pinskiye Yastreby in the Belarussian Under-18 league. In a total of 25 games, the blue liner collected nine points. This season, he is already up to 13 points in nine contests.

Karmanov is said to be pretty agile on his skates for his size, which has been noticed by many scouts out there. However, we all know how speed and finesse is important to crack an NHL roster, and only time will tell if Karmanov has what it takes.

Legendary defenseman Zdeno Chara still holds the record for the tallest player to ever appear in the NHL. Karmanov could become the tallest once he is eligible for the NHL Draft in 2026.

It is obviously too early to determine whether or not Karmanov will make it to the NHL, but I know you’ll want to see if he does reach the top league. He would have the armspan to do it.