Tallest NHL Players Ever: 10 Hockey Giants Who Dominated the Ice

When you think of NHL dominance, you might picture Connor McDavid's speed or Alex Ovechkin's shot. But there's another kind of dominance—towering over opponents with stick reaches that span the ice. The tallest NHL players don't just stand out; they change the game's geometry.

The average NHL player today stands 6'1" and weighs 198 pounds, compared to 5'10" and 174 pounds in 1944. After analyzing data from Elite Prospects, official NHL records, player interviews, and community discussions, here's the definitive ranking of hockey's tallest giants.

Quick Reference: Tallest NHL Players

The 10 Tallest NHL Players in History

1. Zdeno Chára (Tie) - 6'9" (206cm) | 249 lbs | 1997-2022

The Slovak legend defined what it meant to be hockey's tallest player. Key achievements: 2009 Norris Trophy winner, 2011 Stanley Cup champion, five-time hardest shot champion (record 108.8 mph), and 1,680 NHL games played (most by any defenseman). Chára used special 67-inch sticks—four inches longer than regulation—after receiving an NHL waiver. His reach allowed poke-checks on opponents who thought they were safely out of range.

2. Matt Rempe (Tie) - 6'9" (206cm) | 254 lbs | 2024-Present

The 21-year-old New York Rangers forward matches Chára's height record. Rempe combines surprising agility with old-school physicality, becoming what Elite Prospects calls "a cult favorite." He made NHL history by debuting in an outdoor game and fighting during his first shift, setting the tone for his intimidating playing style.

3. Viktor Svedberg - 6'9" (206cm) | 236 lbs | 2014-2015

The Swedish defenseman completes the exclusive 6'9" club. At 236 pounds—lighter than both Chára and Rempe—Svedberg used his long stride and extended reach to control space for Chicago before continuing his career in European leagues. His calm positioning and stick work exemplified the Swedish development approach.

4. Curtis Douglas - 6'8½" (205cm) | 243 lbs | 2021-Present

Currently in Tampa Bay's organization, Douglas brings ideal net-front presence. With continued development in pace and puck control, scouts project him as a potential dominant power forward who can use his massive frame creatively rather than just physically.

5. Tyler Myers - 6'8" (203cm) | 229 lbs | 2009-Present

The Vancouver Canucks defenseman has built a remarkable career spanning 1,000+ games. Notable achievement: 2010 Calder Trophy winner after posting 48 points as a rookie, proving tall players can excel offensively. Someone hilariously noted that "half of tyler myers is his neck," but his consistent two-way play has made him valuable across three organizations.

6. Elmer Soderblom - 6'8" (203cm) | 252 lbs | 2021-Present

The Detroit Red Wings forward represents the rare combination of extreme height and soft hands. Unlike traditional big-body players, Soderblom has impressive stick handling and creative offensive touch. At 24, he shields the puck effortlessly while bringing skill-based play rather than relying solely on physicality.

7. John Scott - 6'8" (203cm) | 260 lbs | 2009-2016

Scott became a folk hero after being voted into the 2016 All-Star Game, then winning MVP honors in one of hockey's greatest underdog stories. His journeyman career across seven teams exemplifies what some fans calculated: the "10% chance of being a meme All Star" for players 6'8" and taller.

8. Steve McKenna - 6'8" (203cm) | 265 lbs | 1996-2003

Few players ever matched McKenna's physical presence. At 265 pounds, he was one of the heaviest players in NHL history, patrolling blue lines for Pittsburgh and Los Angeles with intimidating authority. He personified the toughness of early-2000s hockey.

9. Jamie Oleksiak - 6'7" (200cm) | 252 lbs | 2013-Present

The Seattle Kraken defenseman combines his 6'7" frame with versatility, playing both sides of the blue line. His intimidating presence affects "the vast majority of the league that's smaller than him," consistently leading teams in hits and blocked shots with over 200 hits per 82-game season.

10. Tage Thompson - 6'7" (200cm) | 220 lbs | 2018-Present

The Buffalo Sabres center proves tall players can be elite offensive weapons. After three consecutive 40-goal seasons, Thompson has established himself as a premier power forward who protects the puck while maintaining surprising speed and skill—defying the big-body stereotype.

Height Advantages & Challenges

The Reach Factor

A 6'9" player with a 70-inch stick has a combined reach exceeding 11 feet. When Alexander Karmanov—a 7-foot prospect—competed in 1-on-1 drills, his opponent went 0-for-25 trying to get past him. "His stick reach—he can reach either side of the ice," the challenger observed.

Equipment Realities

Extreme height creates practical problems. Karmanov breaks 25 hockey sticks per season—not from powerful shots alone, but because standard equipment can't handle the torque from a 7-foot frame. His father constantly orders custom gear, and Karmanov uses sticks three inches longer than even Chára's maximum length.

Career Reality Check

Some analysis revealed sobering statistics for 6'8"+ players:

• 10% achieve hall of fame status (Chára)
• 10% have solid careers (Myers, Oleksiak)
• 10% become cult heroes (Scott)
• 70% remain largely anonymous

Height opens doors, but skill determines outcomes.

The Bottom Line

Hockey's tallest players prove that height opens doors, but skill keeps them open. Chára dominated for 24 seasons by combining his 6'9" frame with Norris Trophy-winning ability and relentless work ethic. Meanwhile, countless 6'8" prospects who relied solely on size never made lasting impacts.

For tall young players: your height is an advantage only when combined with dedicated skill development. For hockey fans: appreciate the unique spectacle these giants bring—from record-setting slapshots to creative scoring, the tallest NHL players deliver hockey's most memorable moments.

The NHL will likely see its first 7-foot player soon. When that happens, remember the foundation Zdeno Chára built—proving hockey's tallest can also be its best.