The 25 Shortest NHL Players Who Proved Height Doesn't Matter

From Roy "Shrimp" Worters winning the Hart Trophy at 5'3" to Cole Caufield lighting the lamp at 5'7", hockey's shortest players have consistently proven that skill trumps size. Here are the 25 shortest players in NHL history who refused to let their stature define their success.

The 25 Shortest Hockey Players in NHL History

1. Roy "Shrimp" Worters - 5'3" (135 lbs)

Position: Goaltender | Career: 1928-1937

The shortest player in NHL history, Worters stands as proof that giants come in small packages. At 5'3" and 135 pounds, he won both the Hart Trophy (1929) and Vezina Trophy (1931). Playing for the New York Americans, Montreal Canadiens, and Pittsburgh Pirates, Worters recorded 66 career shutouts and became the first goalie to achieve back-to-back shutouts. His nickname "Shrimp" belied his enormous impact on the game, earning him Hockey Hall of Fame induction in 1969.

2. Nathan Gerbe - 5'4" (176 lbs)

Position: Center | Career: 2008-2021

The shortest skater in NHL history, Gerbe proved that determination knows no size limits. Standing 5'4", he was dubbed the "Tasmanian Devil" for his aggressive style despite his diminutive frame. Gerbe scored 63 goals in 435 NHL games across Buffalo, Carolina, and Columbus. His college career was legendary—he won NCAA Frozen Four MVP honors in 2008 and was AHL Rookie of the Year. After retirement, he joined Nashville's coaching staff as forward development coach.

3. Theo Fleury - 5'6" (160 lbs)

Position: Right Wing | Career: 1988-2003

Perhaps the most inspirational story on this list, Fleury overcame incredible obstacles to become a superstar. At 5'6", he accumulated 455 goals and 1,088 points in 1,084 games. His 1989 Stanley Cup victory with Calgary made him a legend. Fleury battled addiction, childhood abuse, and Crohn's disease while maintaining elite performance. His fearless play and competitive fire inspired teammates and fans alike, proving that heart can overcome any physical limitation.

4. Henri "Pocket Rocket" Richard - 5'7" (160 lbs)

Position: Center | Career: 1955-1975

The most successful player by championships, Henri Richard won an astounding 11 Stanley Cups with Montreal. Playing in his famous brother Maurice's shadow, Henri carved his own legacy through clutch performances and remarkable longevity. At 5'7", he used his low center of gravity and hockey intelligence to dominate bigger opponents. His playoff heroics became the stuff of legend, proving that championships favor skill over size.

5. Martin St. Louis - 5'8" (185 lbs)

Position: Right Wing | Career: 1998-2015

Undrafted and unwanted, St. Louis transformed himself into a Hall of Famer through relentless dedication. He didn't debut until age 23 but made up for lost time with extraordinary skill development. At 5'8", he won the Hart Trophy (2004), two Art Ross trophies, and a Stanley Cup. His 391 goals and 1,033 points inspired countless smaller players to chase their NHL dreams.

6. Cole Caufield - 5'7" (166 lbs)

Position: Right Wing | Current Team: Montreal Canadiens

Montreal's newest sensation, Caufield has quickly established himself as one of hockey's most exciting young scorers. His 37 goals in 2023-24 led the Canadiens and announced his arrival as a superstar. Selected 15th overall in 2019, he silenced size critics with his elite shot and fearless net-front presence. His Calder Trophy candidacy in 2022 showed the hockey world that 5'7" scorers can dominate.

7. Alex DeBrincat - 5'7" (165 lbs)

Position: Right Wing | Current Team: Detroit Red Wings

"The Cat" has proven to be one of the most consistent goal scorers in the modern NHL. At 5'7", he's recorded two 40+ goal seasons and consistently produces offense wherever he plays. His pin-point accuracy and quick release make him lethal from anywhere in the offensive zone. Despite falling to the second round due to size concerns, DeBrincat has silenced every doubter with his production.

8. Logan Stankoven - 5'7" (170 lbs)

Position: Center | Current Team: Carolina Hurricanes

"Stank the Tank" has captured hearts with his relentless motor and fearless play. At 5'7", he dominates players twice his size through pure tenacity and skill. His nickname perfectly captures his willingness to battle anywhere on the ice. Recently traded to Carolina with an eight-year extension, Stankoven represents the future of undersized excellence in the NHL.

9. Matthew Phillips - 5'7" (140 lbs)

Position: Center | Current Team: Washington Capitals

The lightest player in NHL history at just 140 pounds, Phillips proves that weight matters even less than height. His journey from undrafted prospect to NHL player exemplifies persistence. Despite his diminutive frame, he uses his speed and hockey IQ to create opportunities against much larger opponents.

10. Brian Gionta - 5'7" (178 lbs)

Position: Right Wing | Career: 2001-2018

Team USA's captain at the 2014 Olympics, Gionta scored 291 NHL goals despite being consistently underestimated. His leadership and clutch scoring made him invaluable to New Jersey, Montreal, and Buffalo. At 5'7", he showed that smaller players could wear the 'C' and lead championship-caliber teams.

11. Bobby Trivigno - 5'7" (167 lbs)

Position: Left Wing | Current Team: New York Rangers

Despite winning NCAA tournament MVP honors, Trivigno went undrafted due to his size. His intensity and skill eventually earned him NHL recognition. At 5'7", he brings fire that makes bigger teammates want to match his energy level.

12. Trey Fix-Wolansky - 5'7" (191 lbs)

Position: Right Wing | Current Team: Columbus Blue Jackets

His inspirational message resonates throughout hockey: "You're never too small to succeed." At 5'7", Fix-Wolansky has overcome every size-related obstacle through determination and skill development. His Edmonton roots and junior success translated to NHL opportunity.

13. Xavier Simoneau - 5'7" (178 lbs)

Position: Center | Current Team: Montreal Canadiens Organization

Drafted 191st overall by Montreal, Simoneau has steadily climbed through the ranks. His physical play despite being 5'7" has impressed scouts and coaches. He represents the next generation of small but skilled centers.

14. Domenick Fensore - 5'7" (151 lbs)

Position: Defenseman | Current Team: Carolina Hurricanes Organization

One of the shortest defensemen in NHL history, Fensore captained Boston University to national prominence. His playmaking ability from the blue line makes him unique among small players. At 5'7", he proves that defensemen don't need size to control games.

15. Kailer Yamamoto - 5'8" (153 lbs)

Position: Right Wing | Current Team: Seattle Kraken

Yamamoto combines his Japanese heritage with Canadian hockey development. At 5'8" and just 153 pounds, he's learned to use his relentless style to frustrate bigger opponents. His breakthrough seasons with Edmonton showed his potential when given opportunity.

16. Cam Atkinson - 5'8" (176 lbs)

Position: Right Wing | Career: 2011-present

Told he was too small at every level, Atkinson fell to the sixth round (157th overall) in 2008. His 41-goal season in 2016-17 vindicated his belief in himself. Mentored by Martin St. Louis, he learned how smaller players could dominate through positioning and quick decisions.

17. Mats Zuccarello - 5'8" (179 lbs)

Position: Right Wing | Current Team: Minnesota Wild

Norway's greatest NHL export has thrived for over a decade through creativity and tenacity. His journey from European leagues to NHL stardom inspires international players. At 38, "Zuccy" continues producing at an elite level, showing that skill and hockey IQ age better than size.

18. Brad Marchand - 5'9" (181 lbs)

Position: Left Wing | Current Team: Florida Panthers

The most successful agitator in modern hockey, Marchand wins games while getting under opponents' skin. His 2011 Stanley Cup victory and consistent 30+ goal seasons prove that pest doesn't mean less skilled. At 5'9", he's mastered the art of effective annoyance while maintaining elite production.

19. Tyler Johnson - 5'8" (185 lbs)

Position: Center | Current Team: Chicago Blackhawks

Johnson's two Stanley Cup victories with Tampa Bay (2020, 2021) showcase his clutch gene. Despite being 5'8", he consistently elevates his play in crucial moments. His playoff performances helped establish Tampa Bay as a modern dynasty.

20. Conor Garland - 5'8" (165 lbs)

Position: Right Wing | Current Team: Vancouver Canucks

Garland has quietly become one of the most consistent point producers among smaller players. His work ethic and skating ability make him valuable in all situations. At 5'8", he proves that steady production can be just as valuable as explosive scoring.

21. Jonathan Marchessault - 5'9" (174 lbs)

Position: Center/Right Wing | Current Team: Nashville Predators

The ultimate underdog story, Marchessault went undrafted but became a Conn Smythe Trophy winner. His 2023 playoff performance (13 goals, 25 points) led Vegas to their first Stanley Cup. At 5'9", he embodies the perseverance required for smaller players to reach hockey's pinnacle.

22. Lane Hutson - 5'9" (162 lbs)

Position: Defenseman | Current Team: Montreal Canadiens

The 2024 Calder Trophy winner has revolutionized expectations for small defensemen. His 66 points (6 goals, 60 assists) as a rookie broke multiple franchise records. Hutson's dynamic skating and playmaking ability from the blue line prove that modern defensemen need skill more than size.

23. Jared Spurgeon - 5'9" (168 lbs)

Position: Defenseman | Current Team: Minnesota Wild

Minnesota's captain has consistently performed at an elite level despite being one of the smallest defensemen in NHL history. His leadership and two-way play make him invaluable to the Wild. At 5'9", Spurgeon proves that defensive excellence comes from positioning and anticipation, not just reach.

24. Brendan Gallagher - 5'9" (185 lbs)

Position: Right Wing | Current Team: Montreal Canadiens

Montreal's heart and soul for over a decade, Gallagher embodies everything fans love about smaller players. His fearless net-front presence and ability to battle players twice his size make him a fan favorite. Multiple 20+ goal seasons prove his effectiveness despite constant physical punishment.

25. Yanni Gourde - 5'9" (173 lbs)

Position: Center | Current Team: Tampa Bay Lightning

A key contributor to Tampa Bay's back-to-back Stanley Cups (2020, 2021), Gourde represents the modern successful small player. His skating, defensive responsibility, and clutch scoring make him valuable in all situations. The Lightning's faith in re-acquiring him shows how teams value skill over size.

The Final Word

These 25 players represent more than statistics—they embody overcoming limitations through skill and determination. From Roy Worters' Hart Trophy at 5'3" to Logan Stankoven's meteoric rise at 5'7", each faced doubters who said they were too small. Instead of accepting limitations, they made history.

Whether you're celebrating these undersized heroes or seeking inspiration, remember: in hockey, heart beats height every time. These players proved that champions come in all sizes—and sometimes the smallest packages contain the biggest surprises.