Sharks Draft 7'1" Moldovan Prospect, Sets Height Record
San Jose drafted 7'1" defenseman Alexander Karmanov with the 201st pick in the seventh round of the 2026 NHL Draft, making him the tallest player ever drafted and the first Moldova-born player selected. The go-to note: he posted 3 goals and 4 assists in 15 games for Brantford Titans and had 0 goals and 2 assists in 20 games for North Bay Battalion; his draft stock hinges on potential rather than production. At 272 pounds, his size is his biggest asset, and if he reaches the NHL he would be the tallest regular-season player ever, surpassing the current 6'9" record.