Alexander Karmanov turned heads at a San Jose Sharks prospect game when he carried the puck nearly the full length of the ice in a roughly 200-foot rush, moving possession from his defensive zone up toward the offensive blue line. The sequence stood out because of how effectively his length and puck protection neutralized smaller defenders.
Sharks prospect game scene
The play came in the middle of an exhibition shift. Karmanov retrieved the puck in his own zone, used long strides and his stick reach to shield the puck, and steadily moved the play up ice under pressure. Opposing players repeatedly found their sticks short of the puck because of his reach.
For a few seconds the visual was striking: a 7’1″ skater moving the puck through traffic — about four inches taller than Zdeno Chara — in a way that forced defenders to adjust lanes and stick positioning. Coaches cautioned that prospect games can both highlight and mask weaknesses, but the play provided a clear demonstration of how his size can be an on-ice advantage.
How Alexander Karmanov looked on the ice
Karmanov’s skating drew mixed marks during the camp. Observers credited his balance and stride length for allowing him to cover ground without needing elite acceleration, while noting that foot speed, edge work and overall technique remain areas for improvement — common developmental points for very tall players.
He used his reach effectively to intercept passes and protect the puck in contact. That style can be disruptive in junior and college games, but translating it against faster, stronger competition will require deliberate work on posture, transitions and conditioning.
Draft details and background
The San Jose Sharks selected Karmanov in the seventh round of the most recent NHL Draft. Listed at 7 feet 1 inch, he is among the tallest players ever drafted in NHL history. His path included a season with the OHL’s North Bay Battalion and a commitment to play college hockey at Penn State beginning in 2027.
Scouts and front offices typically view picks like this as long-term projects: a late-round selection that carries low immediate cost and a potentially high ceiling if skating mechanics and game speed improve with structured development.
What this means for his development
Expect a measured timeline. Karmanov will likely spend more time in junior play and then move into the Penn State program, where he can access tailored strength, skating and on-ice coaching. The immediate focus will be improving edge work, balance in transitions and explosive first steps while retaining the advantages of his reach and size.
Short-term, he can be an effective matchup player in junior leagues by using body positioning and puck protection. Long-term NHL upside exists but is conditional on consistent skating gains and adaptation to faster competition.
Key takeaways
— Karmanov’s 200-foot rush highlighted how size and reach can produce effective plays even when skating technique is a work in progress.
— At 7’1″, he is one of the tallest players drafted in NHL history and will be followed as a long-term developmental project after being selected in the seventh round.
— The next two years — junior competition and his Penn State entry — will be pivotal for measurable skating and strength improvements.
FAQ
How tall is Alexander Karmanov?
He is listed at 7 feet 1 inch.
When and by whom was Karmanov drafted?
Karmanov was selected in the seventh round of the most recent NHL Draft by the San Jose Sharks.
Is Karmanov expected to play in the NHL soon?
Not immediately. He is expected to continue developing in junior play and then at Penn State beginning in 2027; NHL readiness will depend on improvements in skating, transitions and strength.
Source attribution
Report and original coverage: Fox News / Outkick — read the original report.
