The Mystery of the 7-Foot Shadow on Ice

Every now and then, a story surfaces in the hockey world that sounds too unbelievable to be true — something that makes even the most seasoned scouts double-check their notes. This isn’t about a star free agent or a blockbuster trade. It’s about a name most fans haven’t heard yet — and a number that almost no one in hockey can believe.

Whispers began in the corners of scouting rooms, then spilled quietly onto podcasts and social media threads: There’s a kid out there — seven feet tall — and he can skate.

At first, people laughed. A 7-foot hockey player? Come on. Maybe in a movie, maybe in a tall tale told in a locker room. But as more footage surfaced — grainy clips from European rinks, blurry highlights of a towering figure gliding through traffic with surprising grace — the laughter stopped. The disbelief turned into fascination.

His name is Alexander Karmanov, and if you’ve never heard it before, you’re not alone. But that might not be the case for long.

Seventeen years old. Born in Moldova — a country barely known for its hockey — and already rewriting every physical expectation the sport has ever had. Listed at 7-foot-1 and 273 pounds, Karmanov doesn’t just stand out. He casts a shadow over the game itself.

And now, according to several reports and even a few teasing comments from the Commission Athlétique podcast, the Montreal Canadiens might be watching him very closely.

Could Kent Hughes — the architect of Montreal’s rebuild — actually take a gamble on a player who defies logic and anatomy?

The very idea feels like science fiction. But then again, so did drafting a kid from Moldova who moves like someone half his size.

The buzz started when analysts described him not as a novelty, but as a project. A raw, rare kind of talent who might take years to develop, but could change the way defensemen are built in the modern NHL. The kind of player who doesn’t just protect the net — he owns the zone.

On the ice, Karmanov doesn’t move like a typical giant. He doesn’t lumber, doesn’t stumble. The clips show a player who understands angles, who uses reach as a weapon, and who — somehow — still finds a way to handle the puck with poise.

The term that keeps surfacing in scouting chatter is the same one used for unicorns and anomalies: “fascinating.”

He’s already made history as the first Moldovan ever drafted into the OHL, picked 172nd overall by the Brantford Bulldogs. And if he follows through on his plan to transition into North American hockey — through the NCAA in 2027 — the world might soon see the tallest professional player ever to lace up skates.

But that’s still the future. For now, the question hangs in the air like a puck floating in slow motion:

Is Alexander Karmanov a once-in-a-lifetime experiment… or the beginning of a new era in hockey evolution?

Photo credit: All Habs / NHL

Kent Hughes could keep an eye on young giant Alexander Karmanov – such a fascinating project.

Hold on to your hats, because this is a truly extraordinary prospect!

Some players draw attention simply because of their size. And Alexander Karmanov, the 7-foot-1 Moldovan, absolutely fits that category.

Yes, yes – 7 feet 1 inch!

In the most recent episode of the Commission Athlétique podcast, the hosts, joined by Marco D’Amico, discussed his case in detail.

I have to admit, the discussion really sparked my curiosity.

“You can’t help but be intrigued by an Alexander Karmanov – he’s 7-foot-1! He hits, and he can handle himself defensively. With that reach, given his size, it’s absolutely mind-blowing.” – Podcast La Releve Host

They did, however, temper expectations by noting that the young Moldovan remains a long-term project.

I agree – I think he still has a lot of work to do.

I believe he’s a project, but such an interesting prospect to keep in mind.

“The 7’1 giant Alexander Karmanov could be selected in the 3rd or 4th round of the next draft according to Podcast La Releve”

Alexander Karmanov: The Tallest Hockey Player in the World Is Already Turning Heads

The 17-year-old defenseman was selected 172nd overall in the CHL Import Draft by the Brantford Bulldogs.

He thus became the first player from Moldova to be drafted by an OHL team.

According to Radio-Canada, he plans to continue his hockey career in American college hockey starting in 2027.

At 7 feet 1 inch and 273 pounds, he is considered the tallest hockey player in the world – even surpassing former Boston Bruins captain Zdeno Chara, who stood 6 feet 9 inches tall.

In my opinion, this case is truly fascinating.

While still considered a long-term project, Karmanov’s unique frame and developing skill set make him a fascinating name to watch ahead of future drafts. It’s easy to imagine Kent Hughes and the Canadiens keeping tabs on a player who, with the right development, could become one of the most intriguing stories in modern hockey.

We all know we’re in an era where speed dominates. However, a defenseman of this size who learns to move well could become a truly unique asset.