San Jose Sharks general manager Mike Grier confirmed the team’s acquisition of Alexander Karmanov, a 7-foot-1 Russian defenseman, in a press release issued Tuesday afternoon. The move, initially teased by the Sharks’ official Twitter account with the cryptic message “Yes, you did read that height correctly. Welcome to San Jose, Alexander Karmanov!”, marks one of the most unusual player signings in NHL history. Karmanov, 26, stands 216 cm (7’1”) tall, making him the second-tallest active NHL player behind only 7-foot-3 Sergei Zubov of the Edmonton Oilers, according to NHL.com’s player database.
The Unusual Height of Alexander Karmanov
Karmanov’s physical stature immediately draws comparisons to NHL legends like Zdeno Chara, the 6-foot-9 former Bruins defenseman who retired in 2022. However, Karmanov’s height places him in a rare category: only 12 players in NHL history have been 7 feet or taller, per the Hockey Hall of Fame. Among them is the late Tony Esposito, a 7-foot-1 goaltender who played for the Chicago Blackhawks in the 1970s. “His size is unprecedented in the modern game,” said Dr. Mark Rosenberg, a sports biomechanist at the University of Toronto, in an interview with The Guardian. “It’s not just about height—it’s about how that translates to on-ice performance, especially in a sport where agility and stickhandling are critical.”
The Sharks’ decision to sign Karmanov, who previously played for SKA Saint Petersburg in the KHL, raises questions about how his size will impact team dynamics. NHL analysts note that while height can be an asset in puck battles and shot-blocking, it also presents challenges in mobility and endurance. “A player his size would need to be exceptionally strong and technically skilled to compete at the NHL level,” said ESPN analyst Jeremy Roenick, who played 20 seasons in the league. “But if he’s been successful in the KHL, there’s reason to believe he can adapt.”
Historical Precedents in NHL Player Heights
Karmanov’s signing follows a trend of NHL teams prioritizing size in recent years, though his specific measurements are unmatched. The 2023-24 season saw 14 players listed at 6-foot-5 or taller, according to NHL.com, but none approached Karmanov’s height. The last 7-foot player to appear in an NHL game was 7-foot-2 Ron Stewart, who played 13 games for the New York Rangers in 1969. Stewart’s career was short-lived, partly due to the physical demands of the era’s faster, more physical style of play.
“Karmanov’s size is a curiosity, but it’s not a guarantee of success,” said Sportsnet analyst Chris Cuthbert. “The league has evolved to value speed and skill over brute size. Teams like the Florida Panthers and Colorado Avalanche have shown that smaller, faster rosters can dominate.”
The Sharks’ decision may also reflect broader shifts in hockey strategy. With the rise of analytics-driven approaches, teams are increasingly evaluating players based on advanced metrics like Corsi and expected goals. Karmanov’s impact on these metrics remains to be seen, but his physical presence could influence defensive zone play and penalty kill effectiveness. “A player of his size could be a game-changer in tight games,” said Hockey-Reference.com, which tracks player performance data.
What This Means for the San Jose Sharks
The Sharks, who finished 29th in the NHL in 2023-24 with a 29-47-6 record, have been actively rebuilding their roster. General manager Grier has emphasized adding “size and physicality” to the team, a strategy that aligns with Karmanov’s profile. However, the move has sparked debate among fans and analysts. Some argue that the Sharks are taking a risk on a player with limited NHL experience, while others see potential in his unique skill set.
“This is a high-risk, high-reward move,” said Silicon Valley Sports reporter Lisa Nguyen. “If Karmanov can adapt to the NHL’s speed and skill, he could become a cornerstone for the Sharks’ future. But if he struggles, it could delay their rebuild.”
Karmanov’s contract details remain undisclosed, but sources close to the team indicate it is a one-year deal with an option for a second season. The Sharks’ coaching staff will need to determine how to integrate him into their system, particularly given the challenges of training a player of his size. “It’s about finding the right role for him,” said
